Project Update
Since the announcement of Phase One grantee projects for the Global Maritime Histories: Case Studies for Change Project in the February 2025 ICMM Members Newsletter, further updates on individual projects have appeared in the May and June newsletters. Based on Mid-Term Progress Reports submitted at the end of June 2025, all projects are on track to complete delivery and final reports by February 2026. This article focuses on project delivery and development.
Looking Forward: Phase Two (2026-2028)
With all four Phase One projects at various stages of delivery, development of Phase Two (2026-2028) of this six-year project is underway. The ICMM Global Maritime Histories Project Steering Group (PSG), established in March 2024, continues to oversee the project’s development and planning. At the time of writing, the PSG has convened 30 times.
Applications for Phase Two project funding will follow a two-stage process beginning in October 2025 with a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to ICMM Members. Selected candidates from the EOI round will then be invited to submit detailed applications in March-April 2026. The ICMM SmartyGrants Portal will manage all aspects of this process, with evaluations conducted by the Project Steering Group.
Summary of Project Funding and Objectives
Phase Two funding totals £150,000, with suggested grant allocations ranging from £15,000 to £50,000 per project.
Key project objectives:
· Access the existing ICMM network of maritime museums and its collective knowledge base to leverage and nurture emerging maritime heritage museums and organisations within the network while expanding connections, particularly in the Global South.
· Support the local role of ICMM member maritime museums in encouraging public displays and content that present a unified voice on ocean literacy and the global marine environment for visitors and online users.
Eligibility
Applicants for funding must be an existing ICMM member organisation, a group of organisations, or an aspiring ICMM member (such as an emerging maritime heritage association). Joint submissions are encouraged with one or more ICMM organisations. While applicants may apply for multiple projects, each organisation is eligible for only one GMHP project grant per project phase.
Applicants must demonstrate that their organisation is a registered charity or not-for-profit organisation and must show financial viability in their online application.
Important Phase Two Dates (2025-2028)
Briefing and Information Cycle (Dates TBC)
Several online briefing and information sessions are proposed for late September 2025 for those interested in submitting an EOI. Dates and timing will be announced in ICMM Members Newsletters and on the ICMM website.
Application Cycle
Stage One: Expression of Interest (Online application via SmartyGrants)
· October 2025 – Applications open
· November 2025 – Applications close
· February 2026 – EOI outcomes advised and invitations to apply for grants issued
Stage Two: Full Applications and Awards
· March – April 2026 – Full applications submitted
· May – June 2026 – Applications reviewed, and awards made
Project Delivery Cycle
· June 2026 – Projects commence
· April – May 2028 – Projects conclude, and completion reports submitted