National Gallery Trust

The National Gallery Trust, established under the 1992 Museum and Galleries Act as a non-departmental public body with charitable status, supports the charitable objectives of the UK's National Gallery, custodian of the national collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries. Governed by a Prime Minister-appointed Board of Trustees, it upholds core values of stewardship, public access, and collection enhancement for future generations, ensuring the artworks belong to and are open to all UK people. Its mission emphasizes preservation, scholarly research, widening access, and public engagement through education, evolving to include initiatives like the NG200 bicentenary campaign for improved visitor experiences.

The Trust funds projects advancing arts education, artwork acquisition and conservation, exhibitions, research fellowships, educational workshops, and community outreach that deepen public understanding of the collection. Beneficiaries span the general public, students, researchers, and those with special needs, with support for UK-wide activities including loans to regional museums. It prioritizes strategic partnerships with arts, education, and heritage organizations demonstrating alignment with Gallery goals and measurable impact.

Eligible applicants face no specified entity, income, or geographic restrictions, though preference goes to proven UK-based groups enabling national reach. Funding is strictly invitation-only, with no unsolicited applications accepted; targeted calls (e.g., 200 Creators Network, deadline 31 August 2025) occur occasionally. Grants range from £10,000 to over £100,000 for project-specific, capital, or revenue needs, decided at quarterly Trustee meetings without fixed public deadlines. Exclusions include core/unrestricted funding and general proposals; its distinctiveness lies in uniquely bolstering the national collection's preservation and inclusive access, differentiating it as a premier steward in the arts funding landscape.