Each year, thanks to the support of our sponsors, AIM is able to keep ticket prices down and offer a number of training grants.
This year we’re offering 15 bursary places to enable members who may face obstacles in attending our annual conference to receive an all-inclusive ticket to AIM Conference 2026.
Bursary recipients will receive an all-inclusive ticket to attend the conference, taking place on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 June at Ushaw and the two evening social events taking place on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. In addition, bursary applicants can request funding of up to £200 towards accommodation and travel costs associated with attending the conference.
Eligibility criteria and grant conditions
- Applicants must be AIM members and priority is given to smaller museums, staff members and volunteers that have not previously received a bursary place.
- Organisations/ recipients of an AIM Conference bursary will not be able to apply for an additional Training Grant in 2026.
- Applicants are encouraged to only seek the funding they need and to round the amount requested to the nearest zero or five.
- Payment of grant funding, if awarded, will be made retrospectively on receipt of a statement of expenses incurred, proof of expenditure, an image, and a brief report of its value for sharing on AIM channels/ bulletin.
- Payment of grants can only be made to the AIM member/organisation.
- Any expenses related to the AIM Conference Bursary award will need to be claimed before Monday 14 December 2026. The maximum claim amount is £200.
How to apply
Please complete the application form and email it to AIM’s Programmes and Grants Officer, Fiona Woolley at [email protected]. Applications must be authorised by the Museum Manager or Chair.
Applications will be acknowledged and accepted until the closing date of Friday 3 April. The bursary applications will be reviewed together on Tuesday 7 April and applicants will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are unsuccessful, then feedback will be given.
Timescales
Applications open – mid January 2026
First group of applications reviewed – Tuesday 3 March
First bursaries awarded (7 max) – Tuesday 3 March and Wednesday 4 March
Applications close – Friday 3 April
Final group of applications reviewed – Tuesday 7 April
Applicant feedback – between Tuesday 7 April and Friday 10 April
Conference – 9-11 June in Durham
Grant claim – due June/July
Final date for claiming expenses funding – Monday 14 December
Bursary places
Bursary places are awarded to the applicant named on the application. If you fund that you are unable to take up the bursary place, please notify us as soon as possible using the [email protected] email address so the place can be reallocated.
Grant payment
Payment of grant funding will be made retrospectively, on receipt of a statement of expenses incurred, proof of expenditure, an image, and a brief report of the grants value for sharing on AIM channels/bulletin (max. 200 words). Grant payments can only be made to the AIM member/organisation as identified on the application form. AIM conference 2026 bursaries should be claimed as soon as possible following attendance of the event and no later than Monday 14 December 2026.
Download the conference bursary application form (opens in a new tab)