Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life is delighted to have been awarded £15,000 in core funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation to help cover essential running costs.

 This grant is very significant for the museum as rising costs continue to put pressure on the museum’s finances. Each year, the museum must raise an additional £35,000 to support running costs. Funding like this grant is a lifeline for Tiverton Museum, helping to safeguard the museum’s work and its role in the community.

In the longer term, the museum is working to reduce its reliance on revenue grants by developing new ways to generate income. A major redevelopment of the site is essential to make this possible, and staff are currently focused on planning for this long-term transformation, taking their time away from day to day management and income generation. This grant, and support from funders like the Garfield Weston Foundation, is vital to ensure the museum can continue operating while working to secure its future.

Tiverton Museum is a vibrant, award-winning museum with a strong focus on local history. It offers engaging exhibitions and a lively events programme, including illustrated talks and guided walks showcasing its extensive and varied collection. The museum is extremely family friendly and offers fun holiday activities, toddler sessions and special themed event days, on top of the explorer backpacks, play areas and quizzes that are always on offer. The museum is much loved by the local community, and regularly welcomes many local schools for hands-on learning with its collection.

The Museum is a cornerstone of cultural heritage, community engagement, and education in the heart of Devon. For over 60 years, the Museum has preserved and celebrated the rich history of Tiverton and the surrounding region, bringing stories of the past to life for future generations.

Commenting on the award, Pippa Griffith, Museum Director said: “We are so thrilled to have received this support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, particularly as it is very difficult to obtain grant support for core costs. This project is essential to the museum’s future, enabling us to plan for the future development of the museum.”