Funding opportunities

Henry Moore Foundation

Grants are available for not-for-profit organisations for projects and activities that promote the growth and development of sculpture across historical, modern, and contemporary registers, and research that expands the appreciation of sculpture.

The Henry Moore Foundation offers funding in the following categories:

• New projects and commissions: Grants of up to £20,000 to encourage new thinking about sculpture or sculpture history or contribute to public awareness and appreciation of sculpture.
• Acquisitions and collections: Grants of up to £20,000 for museums and galleries to acquire or conserve sculpture for their collections, cataloguing, and display costs.
• Research and development:
  • Long-term grants of up to £20,000 for projects that require funding for more than one year, such as a permanent collection catalogue.
  • Small research grants of up to £2,500 for academics, curators, and independent scholars for research costs on the history and interpretation of sculpture.
• Conferences, lectures, and publications: Grants of up to £5000 to publish a new book or journal, or to stage a conference or other event related to sculpture.

There are typically four deadlines per year. This funding round is for projects starting, or opening to the public, no sooner than 1 January 2026.

There are typically four deadlines per year:

• 1 February to 1 March (23:00).
• 1 May to 1 June (23:00).
• 1 August to 1 September (23:00).
• 1 November to 1 December (23:00). 

• Find out more and apply

Grants for Arts and Heritage Work Across the UK

The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust has opened applications for grants supporting charitable activity across the UK. The funding is intended for projects in the performing arts, creative health and heritage crafts that align with the Trust's objectives.

Grants typically range from £500 to £8,000. Unrestricted support is available for charities with an annual income below £250,000. Eligible applicants must be UK registered or regulated exempt charities working for the benefit of UK residents.

The Trust prioritises work that improves access for communities facing identifiable barriers to opportunity. Applications are assessed against several criteria, including alignment with funding themes, identification of beneficiaries, delivery capability, financial management, inclusive practice and safeguarding arrangements.

Projects must begin at least two months after a decision is issued, unless organisations have secured at least 75% of the required funding. There are separate application routes for small charities, defined as those with an income of £5 million or less, and large charities with income above this threshold.

Funding can be used to support activities that contribute to improved access and participation in the Trust's focus areas.

The deadline for applications is 8 May 2026 for large charities and 1 June 2026 for small charities.

• Find out more and apply

UK Rising Star Craft Award Opens with £25,000 Prize for Emerging Makers

The Rising Star Craft Award is a biennial prize recognising emerging craftspeople who show strong ability, commitment to their discipline and contributions to their community and the wider craft sector.

The winner will receive a £25,000 cash prize intended to support the development of their professional practice.

Eligibility is focused on early to mid career craftspeople who are based in the UK and have between two and seven years of professional practice. Nominees are expected to demonstrate strong foundational skills, ongoing development of expertise and a clear commitment to their craft.

Applications must be made through nomination. Candidates cannot self-nominate and must be put forward by a credible person who knows the maker and their work well in a professional capacity.

The prize money can be used across a range of costs linked to practice development. Eligible expenditure includes studio and project costs, equipment and materials, self-directed learning, training and education, research and residencies.

The deadline for applications is 5 June 2026.

• Find out more and apply

Artist Commission for the Granville Underpass in Southcote

Reading Borough Council is seeking an artist or artist team to create a vibrant mural for the Granville Road Underpass, a key pedestrian and cycle route connecting local communities.

This commission offers an exciting opportunity to transform the underpass into a welcoming, safe, and visually engaging space that reflects the identity and voices of the surrounding community. The selected artist will work collaboratively with local people to shape the final design through meaningful engagement.

The commission budget is £10,000–£15,000 (excluding VAT) and covers design development, engagement, materials, and installation. 

We’re looking for creative, high-quality proposals that demonstrate:

• A strong artistic vision
• A clear approach to community involvement
• Experience delivering public-facing work

🗓 Deadline for proposals: 1 July 2026
📧 Submit applications or enquiries to: streetartpanel@reading.gov.uk

National Archives’ Resilience Grant Programme Invites Applications from 25 May

This grant programme is designed to support archive services, organisations with archives, and archives networks to be adaptable, resilient and sustainable, creating lasting solutions that enable them to respond to change, and contribute to communities and the economy.

Public sector bodies, not-for-profit organisations including registered charities, and for-profit organisations including business archives can apply for grants of up to £20,000 for projects lasting up to one year.

The fund can cover most things associated with resilience-building activities that the organisation has identified as a priority.

Projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Proposals that would lead to increased organisational stability, including long-term organisational, financial and strategic planning.
• Increased staffing capacity and enhanced skills.
• Reduced costs.
• Increased income.
• Improving capacity to develop, care for and enrich collections, physically and digitally.
• Ensuring that collections are safely preserved, including digitally.
• Work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Responses to climate change, such as developing energy-efficiency within an archives service.
• Strategic development of existing archive networks or establishment of new networks with a clear strategic focus.

There are two funding rounds per year. 

Applications for the first round will be accepted from 25 May to 6 July 2026 (for an August meeting).

• Find out more and apply

Theatre Venues Across UK Can Apply Now for Funding to Support Capital Projects

The Theatres Trust, in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation, is currently accepting applications from not-for-profit theatre operators in the UK for capital improvement projects that will improve environmental sustainability (the current theme of their partnership).

Grants of up to £20,000 can be used for capital costs of building or equipment.

Because the theme for applications is 'Improving Environmental Sustainability' the funding will be given to projects that demonstrate how a small intervention can have a big impact on reducing the theatre's environmental impact, such as:

• Purchase of key plant and machinery.
• Replacement of inefficient or out-dated equipment.
• Improvements to building heating or insulation.
• Planting sedum roofs or green walls.
• Impactful, high-quality interventions.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
• Run a year-round programme of live performance, of at least 30 performances per year of theatre, dance, comedy, musicals.
• Have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years. This can include local authorities or town and borough councils that own and/or operate a venue.
• Have the permission of the property owner and any relevant planning body to do the work required.

Applicants can expect to have a decision within 10 weeks of the deadline.

The deadline for applications is 11 September 2026 (noon).

• Find out more and apply

Fidelio Charitable Trust Applications

The Fidelio Charitable Trust was established in 2008 and supports the arts in the United Kingdom, in particular music (eg opera, lieder, compositions) and the theatre.

Individuals over 21 years old and groups of exceptional ability can apply if they would not be able to carry out an artistic project or activity without financial support from the Trust, with emphasis on those at an early stage in their career. Beneficiaries must be in real need of financial support and be particularly able and/or gifted, plus be based in the UK.

Applications must be submitted by registered charities, institutions, colleges, arts festivals or other similar arts organisations in the United Kingdom with recognised relevant expertise. 

Grants up to £5,000 are available. Eligible costs include (but not limited to):

• Special tuition or coaching (e. to attend music Master Classes).
• Participation in external competitions.
• Support for a specially arranged performance.
• Support for a musical composition.

The Trustees usually meet three times a year to assess applications.

The deadlines for 2026 applications are 12 noon on:

• 16 January 2026
• 15 May 2026
• 25 September 2026

• Find out more and apply

Michael Tippett Musical Foundation Accepting Applications for 2026

The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation is offering grants of between £500 and £3,000 for groups across the UK to support the development of group music-making, especially involving young people, with composing central to the project.

In 2023, the Trustees decided to include within the Foundation’s activities the funding of performances and recording of music by Michael Tippett. As of 2026, the Foundation will no longer accept open applications for such projects. Instead, the Trustees welcome applications for grants towards projects that support group music-making, especially those that involve young people in the process of composing and the development of creative ideas.

The Foundation will still occasionally but will still consider funding large-scale performances and recordings of music by Michael Tippett.

Successful projects should commence from January 2027.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026 (midnight).

• Find out more and apply

England Grassroots Music Projects Invited to Apply for Funding

Arts Council England is offering grants to support organisations working within the grassroots music sector. The funding aims to help artists, bands and music professionals build sustainable careers while developing new audiences.

The Supporting Grassroots Music programme is delivered jointly by Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It provides financial support for a range of organisations including live music venues, rehearsal and recording studios, festivals, promoters and sector bodies.

Grants of between £1,000 and £40,000 are available. Projects may run for up to three years and must include some element of live programming or participatory activity that benefits grassroots artists or professionals. Eligible costs include artist and audience development, live programming, infrastructure improvements, touring networks and testing new approaches.

Applicants are expected to contribute at least 10% of total project costs from other sources. This may be through their own contribution, such as ticket income, or in-kind support from partners.

This is a rolling programme; should an application be received after a monthly deadline it will be automatically entered into the next round.

• Find out more and apply

Repayable Finance to Support UK’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Organisations

The world’s biggest social impact investment fund for the creative arts is offering secured and unsecured finance up to £1 million to socially driven arts, culture and heritage organisations registered and operating in the UK.

Organisations who want to acquire new assets, improve built infrastructure, develop new ventures or scale up existing revenue streams can apply now.

The Fund offers repayable finance between £150,000 and £1 million with a repayment term until May 2032 and interest rates ranging between 3% and 8.5%. 

The following fees apply:

• 1% completion fee
• 2% per annum, pro rata holding fee (minimum holding period is six months)
• No early repayment fee.

Eligible organisations must:

• Be registered and operating in the UK. Digital organisations will need to demonstrate their primary audiences are based in the UK.
• Have core operations or primary activity in the arts, culture and heritage.
• Have a clear social mission, reflected in its structure and governance.
• Be able to demonstrate measurable social impact on individuals or communities in the UK.

And work in one of the following disciplines:

• Architecture
• Combined arts 
• Crafts
• Culture and heritage in the natural environment
• Dance 
• Fashion design and textiles
• Film
• Graphic design
• Heritage
• Libraries and archives
• Literature 
• Museums
• Music
• Sector support organisation
• Theatre and performance
• Visual arts
• Workspace provider

Applications are currently being accepted.

• Find out more and apply

Arnold Clark’s Communities Support Fund Accepting UK Applications

Arnold Clark, the UK’s largest independently owned, family-run car retailer, has been offering grants to communities in the areas in which it operates since 2021.

UK registered charities and community groups who provide services that are widely accessible to their local community and are located within a 50-mile radius of an Arnold Clark branch can apply now for a Community Support grant of up to £1,000. Preference is given to smaller voluntary and community organisations.

The funding must be used for charitable or community purposes that address at least one of the following categories:

• Pet welfare (to help cover costs for pet bills, animal shelters, therapy animals - reviewed on case by case basis.
• Arts and culture (music, books, art and theatre groups looking for money for transport, resources, venue hire, and special licences at arts and culture.
• Community enhancement (enhancing community, defib installation and replacements, play parks, community gardens, community galas and events).
• Disability (sensory group resources, equipment and adaptations, this could be from groups or hospitals, trips for disability groups).
• Educational training / advancement (extra resources for a PTA, school/education fayre/gala, uniform poverty. Extra curriculum resources).
• Sustainability enhancements / projects (community clean-ups, recycling programmes, urban gardening, eco-friendly initiatives).
• Mental health support (local support groups, networks end events that focus on mental wellbeing support).
• Relief support organisations (emergency service aid, cancer or illness support groups).
• Equality and diversity (programmes that promote equal access and opportunity, address discrimination and inequality and foster community cohesion).
• Youth clubs and groups, such as Brownies, Scouts, Guides, Sea Cadets, Cubs, amateur sports teams, dance groups and gymnastics can apply for up to £750 for community trips, club costs materials, venue hire, transport.

There are no deadlines for applications; however, groups are encouraged to apply as early as they can as applications could be paused due to high demand. 

Applications are currently being accepted.

• Find out more and apply

Funding Available for the Conservation of Historic Buildings Across England and Wales

Grants of up to £250,000 are available for organisations across England and Wales to support the preservation of heritage buildings and structures of architectural significance, particularly historic country houses, including their gardens, grounds, and works of art within them. 

Historic Houses Foundation will support projects that can show that:

• There is a compelling need for the work undertaken to be done within the next two to three years.
• The project will enhance the historic environment.
• There will be appropriate public access.
• There is a financial need for the grant.
• The project can proceed within a reasonable timeframe.
• The project is sustainable, with a suitable conservation and/or business plan in place.
• The building or structure is listed.
• The structure is rural, either in the countryside or where it has been overtaken by urban or suburban development.

Organisations legally responsible for repairing a historic building, garden, and grounds can apply.

The Foundation typically expects the applicant to own the building or estate, hold a full repairing lease with a term of at least 20 years to run, or be able to demonstrate a legally binding agreement to acquire such a building or estate.

Grants of between £1,000 and £250,000 are available. Most grants are for less than £50,000. Larger awards will only be made in exceptional circumstances.

Applications can be submitted at any time. 

• Find out more and apply

PRS Foundation Early Career Promoter Fund

PRS Foundation – the award-winning charitable funder of new music and talent development – announces today a new initiative targeted to early career music promoters in England and supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The new and ambitious Early Career Promoter Fund recognises the vital role independent promoters play in supporting the talent pipeline across England and within the nighttime economy, and offers grant funding and capacity building support, with the aim of bolstering the grassroots music ecosystems.

Grants of up to £3,500 will be available to support a range of activity, including:

• The booking, programming and promotion of gigs, concerts, club nights, showcases, tours and other performances
• Costs associated with those activities (including venue hire, production, artist and/or DJ fees, crew fees, administration and other related costs)
• Capacity building (including mentoring, coaching, shadowing, workshops, masterclasses, and other skill building and networking opportunities)
• Other expenditure which helps grantees to programme a diverse range of artists, develop new audiences and build their skills

Rolling monthly deadlines will be listed on PRS Foundation’s website. All funding decisions will be delivered within 6-8 weeks of each deadline, and selected grantees will be invited to attend cohort induction meetings and a series of workshops delivered by PRS Foundation and associates.

• Find out more and apply

Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) - Project Development Grants for England

Grants of up to £20,000 are available to help not-for-profit organisations cover some of the costs of developing and co-ordinating their historic building project and taking it towards the start of work on site. 

To qualify, organisations must have established that the end use of the project is likely to be viable and have decided to take the project forward. At the end of the funded work, organisations should be at or closer to securing capital funding to enable the delivery of their project.

The one-year grants typically will support appointing professional advisors to work with the organisation to advance the plans. This can include architects, surveyors, and engineers to develop the designs and plans for the historic building; additional support to build the capacity of the organisation by employing or contracting a project manager; and support with refining the business plan, building community engagement and preparing funding bids.

Although 100% of the cost of the work involved can be funded, there is a preference for some match funding as the overall package of work required may be more than the grant can cover.

Applications will be accepted from the following not-for-private profit organisations and lowest tiers of local government:

• Unincorporated charities
• Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs).
• Charitable companies limited by guarantee.
• Community benefit societies.
• Not-for-private-profit companies limited by guarantee.
• Community interest companies (CICs) limited by guarantee.
• Co-operatives
• Parish and town councils.

If applicants do not already own the building, they will need to provide evidence that they have a formal agreement to acquire it.

There is a two-step application process. The first step is to submit a short online Expression of Interest. Those who are successful will be invited to submit a full application.

Expressions of Interest can be submitted at any time.

• Find out more and apply

New National Lottery Heritage Grants Accepting Applications from Across the UK

National Lottery Heritage Grants form part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund's new 10-year strategy, Heritage 2033, that aims to invest £3.6 billion across the UK with grants ranging from £10,000 up to £10 million.

The strategy is centred around a simplified framework of four investment principles:

• Saving heritage.
• Protecting the environment.
• Inclusion, access and participation.
• Organisational sustainability.

Grants are available to support projects of up to five years that care for and sustain heritage in the UK. This could include nature and habitats, historic buildings and environments, or cultures, traditions and people’s memories. 

The programme funds projects that:

• Clearly focus on heritage – this can be national, regional or local heritage of the UK.
• Take into account all four investment principles.
• Have a clear plan with a defined start, middle and end.
• Have not already started.
• Can demonstrate the need for National Lottery investment.

Two levels of funding are available:

• Grants from £10,000 to £250,000 for projects of no more than five years in duration.
• Grants from £250,000 to £10 million for projects of no more than five years in duration (excluding the development phase).

Applications from:

• £10,000 to £100,000 will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations, private owners of heritage and partnerships.
• £100,000 to £10 million will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations and partnerships led by not-for-profit organisations.

Applications for more than £250,000 require an Expression of Interest which can be submitted at any time. If successful, applicants will then need to submit a development phase application. These have quarterly application deadlines.

Applications for grants of between £10,000 and £250,000 are open all year round with decisions in about two months.

Commenting, the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Chief Executive, Eilish McGuinness said:

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re able to invest £870 million across our first three-year delivery plan in projects of all sizes that connect people and communities to the UK’s heritage.

“We see heritage as broad and inclusive. If there’s something from the past that you care for and want to pass it on to future generations, we want to hear from you.”

Applications are currently being accepted for all levels of funding.

• Find out more and apply

Unlocking Collections: a time-limited grant theme for museums

Arts Council England’s time-limited theme is aimed at enabling museums to develop their collections-based work and increase public engagement with, and the use of, their collections. ACE is looking for work which:

• Reinterprets collections to reach a wider audience
• Uses digital tools and mechanisms within museums, and to link across the sector
• Collections review improving standards of collections storage and display

The application process varies depending on grant size, for under £30,000, £30,001 -£100,000 and over £100,001. 

• Find out more and apply

Music Venue Trust - Pipeline Investment Fund

The Pipeline Investment Fund (PIF) is a new grant-giving fund established by Music Venue Trust with the support of venue members of the Music Venues Alliance. PIF is now open for small-scale grant applications (up to £5,000) from UK-based grassroots music venues to support two areas of work - small-scale capital applications and staff & training.

The fund will prioritise support for organisations who may be excluded from other available funding and they ask venues to approach the fund appropriately and economically, for something that will make a real difference to your organisation and venue.

• Find out more and apply

Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) Maker Relief Fund Supports UK Craftspeople in Need

The Maker Relief Fund is offering grants to UK-based professional craftspeople facing financial hardship.

Grants of £1,000 will be awarded to 50 eligible applicants over the course of a year, starting in November 2024 and running through to the end of October 2025.

These grants are intended to provide flexible financial support, allowing recipients to use the funds without restrictions.

Practising professional craftspeople are eligible to apply if they identify with one or more of the following groups:

• Individuals on low incomes.
• Working-class people.
• Black and ethnically diverse people (including Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers).
• People with disabilities, neurodiversity or those managing chronic physical or mental health issues.
• LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• People with caring responsibilities.

The initiative aims to support these people in sustaining their careers during times of financial difficulty.

Applications can be submitted at any time until the end of October 2025.

• Find out more and apply

Developing your Creative Practice

Developing your Creative Practice supports individuals who are cultural and creative practitioners and want to take time to focus on their creative development. Individuals can apply for £2,000 to £10,000 to focus on their cultural and creative development - this could be a period of research, time to create new work, travel, training, developing future ideas, networking or mentoring - and reach the next stage in their practice.

Applications are now closed. Future rounds will be announced early 2025

• Find out more

Theatres Trust Small Grants Scheme

The national advisory public body for theatres in the UK offers small grants of up to £7,500 for essential works to not-for-profit theatres in the UK that will enable them to be viable and thrive in the future.

The grants will support small capital improvements to theatres run by charities and not-for-profit groups that will make a big impact to a theatre's resilience, sustainability or accessibility, or to improving the diversity of audiences.

Eligible projects include:

• Improvements and repairs to the building fabric.
• The installation of key plant and machinery.
• The purchase of key equipment (not software) to improve digital infrastructure.

Priority will be given to improvements to buildings that protect theatre use and remove barriers to participation and attendance.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
• Run a regular theatre programme of professional, community and/or amateur work presenting no less than 30 performances a year.
• Have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years.

The funding cannot be used for revenue and survey costs. 

Eligible projects include:

• Improvements and repairs to building fabric.
• Purchase of key plant and machinery.
• Purchase of capital items that improve physical access and the audience/participant experience.
• Purchase of equipment to improve digital access.

Priority is given to projects where the total project costs are less than £250,000 or where the grant is the sole external funder and/or achievable within the total fund awarded.

The next round will have a June deadline and will reopen shortly.

• Find out more 

Funding for Music and Heritage Projects Across the UK

Radcliffe Trust is offering grants averaging between £2,500 and £7,500 for charities, not-for-profit groups, and exempt organisations across the UK to support projects in the areas of music or heritage and crafts.

For music projects, the Trust will consider projects in the following categories:

• Composition and contemporary music - in the case of commission applications the lead composer must be named.
• Bursaries for courses and summer schools; limited to UK-based students.
• Music therapy and special needs.
• Academic research.
• Youth orchestras.
• Performance projects.
• Educational projects - excluding applications from individual mainstream primary and secondary schools.
• Miscellaneous.

For heritage and crafts projects, the Trust will support the development of the skills, knowledge and experience that underpin the UK’s traditional cultural heritage and crafts sectors. This includes support for:

• Emerging craftspeople.
• Craft and conservation projects and training.
• Projects demonstrating creative outcomes by designer-makers.
• Projects with potential for capacity building within the sector.
• Special needs projects focusing on the therapeutic benefits of skills development.

Other areas of cultural creativity related to heritage and crafts may also be considered, including theatre, performance, and literature, especially where projects can be shown to promote and develop high-level skills among early career practitioners and disadvantaged groups.

There are two deadlines per year for both the Music and Heritage and Crafts schemes:

• 31 July (for consideration in December)
• 31 January (for consideration in June)

Groups can apply for Music and Heritage & Crafts grants in the same funding round.

• Find out more and apply