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Designation Challenge Fund

The Designation Challenge Fund (DCF) uses Renaissance funding to improve the management and accessibility of collections which are of national or international importance, for the benefit of the public. Since 2002, almost £13m of Renaissance funding has been invested to support museums with Designated collections.

This section provides information about DCF awards, about using the logo, evaluation reports and data collection guidelines. More information about the Designation Scheme for museums, libraries and archives is available under the Designation section of this site.

Designation Challenge Fund awards

DCF awards since 2002

A summary of DCF awards with the intention of encouraging learning from projects.

> Read more about designation challenge fund awards

Designation Challenge Fund data collection

Guidelines for core audience data collection

In 2006 almost £500,000 of Renaissance funding was made available to all non-hub museums holding Designated collections.

> Read more about designation challenge fund data collection

Designation Challenge Fund evaluation

Evaluation report and case studies

The achievements of Renaissance DCF projects.

> Read more about designation challenge fund evaluation

Designation Challenge Fund logos and guidelines

> Read more about designation challenge fund logos and guidelines

related links

  • designation

    MLA’s Designation Scheme identifies the pre-eminent collections of national and international importance held in England's non-national museums, libraries and archives.