Heritage and the Arts
Heritage appeals are considered within the following categories:- Material or Fabric Conservation and Refurbishment
- Library/Archive Conservation
- Wildlife/Environment Conservation
Areas of Support
Conservation: material or fabric
The Company will consider applications for the restoration or conservation of:
- Grade I and Grade II* (Grade II Star) listed buildings,
- Works of art and artefacts
Library and archive conservation
- Projects to provide a protective environment
- Restoration of certain manuscripts
- Publication of research where there is a link to the Mercers’ Company
- Conservation training may be considered
- Cataloguing and supporting academic publishing
UK wildlife and environment conservation
Protection and research of :
- Endangered species
- Flora and fauna and their habitat
- Important historic gardens and open spaces
- Marine conservation
At present we are not supporting either visitor centres or the acquisition of land.
Geographic Preferences
The priority is for projects in London although applications within our heritage
category are considered from all parts of the UK.
Applicants
Applicants must be:
- UK charities registered with the Charity Commission, or
- UK charities that are exempt from registration under the 1995 Charities Act.
Core Costs and Running Costs
Whilst we do not normally consider applications for general running costs, we
accept that organisations should include a reasonable amount of management costs
to cover their overheads when they apply for project funding.
Visual Arts, Fine Arts and Performing Arts
We have a modest budget to support the performing and visual arts. With this
budget we intend to support small, registered charities to bring the performing
and visual arts to new audiences. Past support has included festivals, exhibitions,
theatre productions of drama, dance and concerts. We particularly support touring
productions.
We include:
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Paintings and Drawings
But not:
- Modern art or crafts
- Live art
- Laser or other art forms
There is a preference for organisations based in London. Occasionally we support
national organisations that are centres of excellence.
We do not support:
- Sponsorhip of performers or students
- The purchase of musical instruments
- The purchase of equipment, such as IT
- Help with disabled access
- Help with meeting fire and safety regulations
- Masterclasses
Grants Sizes
Our grants normally range from £500 to £7,500. A few larger grants are made but
anything over £10,000 is exceptional.
Applicants must provide up-to-date accounts with the initial request.
2010 Heritage and Arts Committee Meeting Dates:
Wednesday 7 April
Wednesday 7 July
Wednesday 6 October

