Victory 80

In 2025, the UK will mark the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, two pivotal moments that have shaped modern history.

To support museums in commemorating these events, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has asked Museum Development to distribute a special, one-off grant scheme.

The aim is for the projects to support any or all of the concepts around remembrance and cohesion via storytelling around national effort, national unity, shared history, wartime history, wartime legacy and collective futures. The grant will enable museums sitting at the heart of their communities to connect via these themes.

Working in 20 communities across the country, the programme of funding will enable creative and cultural activity from museums in response to the anniversary.

Applications are now open for 2025–2026

Closing date for applications is Mon 21 Apr 2025 at 5pm. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

In London, a grant fund of £40,000 will be available with which DCMS have stated a preference to support two museums to develop community-driven activities that honour the legacy of the Second World War.

The grant is available to support any Second World War commemorative or legacy engagement or activity. Given the short notice of the grant announcement, we understand that museums may already have planned such commemorative activity for 2025. The grant can also be used to cover the costs of activity which has already been planned.

Projects will need to be completed by Mon 16 March 2026. More information on eligibility and the type of projects that will be supported can be found in the guidance for applicants below.

If you would like to apply, please complete and return an application form, along with any supporting documents to mdgrants@londonmuseum.org.uk, no later than 5pm on Mon 21 Apr 2025.