Grants

War Memorials Trust grants support repair and conservation works undertaken following best conservation practice. Almost all war memorials are eligible for support and custodians/owners can find information about eligibility and processes in this section of the website.

Anyone interested in applying for a grant should read the Apply for a grant section carefully to help understand if their project is eligible and what information needs to be provided to start a grant application.

Just because a project is eligible for funding does not mean the Trust will be able to make a grant. As a charity the Trust must raise funds in order to make grants so the level of grant-making will depend on donations received. Priority is given to those memorials in greatest need and the charity will be able to deal with your enquiry more quickly if your war memorial is has an up-to-date condition provided and photographs on War Memorials Online.

Grants are

• available to support the repair and conservation of war memorials in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
• normally awarded at 50% of eligible costs depending on the priority level of your project. The worse the condition the greater contribution the Trust might make. High priority cases are those where the Trust agrees with a Very bad condition assessment on War Memorials Online, Medium priority reflects Poor condition, Low priority would be memorials in Fair condition whilst those in Good condition are unlikely to be eligible. Any specific concerns or threats are also considered
• likely to be considered up to a maximum grant of £5,000 for non-freestanding war memorials while freestanding, non-beneficiary war memorials may be considered up to a maximum grant of £20,000. The minimum award is normally £125 but there is some discretion on minimum and maximum grant levels. Decisions will depend on the amount of funding available and the grant scheme for which your project is eligible. Grant assessment is a competitive process with the condition of the war memorial itself the primary consideration so you should never assume you will obtain all the funding you request. Of the 36 grants awarded in 2020-21 the median offer was £1,840 while the average was £3,760.
• open to anyone to apply; individuals or organisations, including councils. If you are not responsible for the war memorial you must provide written proof that you have the custodian’s consent to carry out the proposed works
• not obtained quickly. You should be aware the process does take time. The charity will only fund works in-line with best conservation practice to minimise any damage to the war memorial - inappropriate works are often proposed and these will not be supported. In addition, as public money provides some of the grant money appropriate procurement processes are required which means two or three quotes/tenders will be required depending on the size of your project. Information on timeframes is given in the steps listed on the left hand side and we encourage you to read through all steps to understand the grant process before your make an application. A lot of enquiries/questions we receive by telephone or email can be answered if you read the website 

Please note that projects cannot be funded if they have already started or have finished. This includes if a contractor has been appointed.

Funders include

• Historic England
• Historic Environment Scotland
• War Memorials Trust - our funds come from donations from the public, charitable trusts and other supporters. If you would like to help support repair and conservation grants visit our Get Involved page