Charity Grants – Application Rounds

We believe in Arts for All and are committed to supporting UK arts, crafts and heritage organisations whose work makes a positive difference in their communities. Our grants aim to widen access to the arts, strengthen local cultural activity, and help develop skills across the arts and heritage sectors.

We welcome applications from UK Registered Charities whose primary activity is in the arts, crafts or heritage sectors, and whose annual turnover is under £1 million. Eligible applicants may apply for a grant of up to £3,000.

Application Rounds

We run two grant rounds each year:

• Spring Round:
  Opens: 1 March
  Closes: 31 March

• Autumn Round:
  Opens: 1 September
  Closes: 30 September

Applicants will be notified of the Grants Committee’s decision by the end of the month following the close of each round.
Please note: Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Eligibility Guidance

We accept applications for projects across all areas of the arts, crafts and heritage. We particularly encourage projects that:

• Provide access to the arts for people who may not otherwise have opportunities to engage

• Introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to artistic and creative experiences

• Support the development, training and preservation of artistic, craft and heritage skills

• Enhance the work of local and regional museums, galleries, archives and performing arts organisations

• Deliver meaningful benefit at a grassroots level and have a clear positive impact on local communities

Types of projects may include:

• Creative workshops, education programmes and community arts initiatives

• Bursaries for students or apprentices

• Heritage and conservation activities

• Exhibitions, displays, internships or part-time posts that directly support arts or heritage engagement

What We Fund

Projects must:

• Align with the charitable objectives of The Arts Society

• Demonstrate clear public benefit and make a positive difference to people’s lives

• Be viable, well managed and sustainable

• Present a robust budget and sound financial planning

• Relate directly to the arts, crafts, heritage or conservation

• Include appropriate recognition and publicity for The Arts Society

• Be documented, monitored and reported back to us

What We Do Not Fund

• Organisations that are not UK Registered Charities (including CICs)

• Charities with an annual turnover above £1 million

• Capital expenditure (including staff costs), core costs or general operating costs

• Projects that have already begun or been completed

• Applications that do not follow the required procedures

• Schools (including PTAs and Friends groups) — our local Societies may be able to support school arts projects

• Applications exceeding the maximum grant amount

• Individuals (we only fund registered charities)

• Repeat applications within one full year of receiving a grant

Please note: Reserves will be taken into account, as defined by the Charity Commission (“that part of a charity’s income funds that is freely available”).