Culture project fund overview

The application deadline for medium and large grants is 12 noon on Friday 29 November 2024. Decisions on medium and large grant applications will be made by 14 February 2025. 

Presentations for small grants will be held on 17 March 2025, 14 July 2025 and 15 September 2025. Decisions will be made within 10 working days.

Applicants for small grants must book a session to present their idea. Presentation sessions for small grants will be held on:

• March 17 2025 - please book your presentation - bookings open on December 2 2024 and close on March 8 2025.
• July 14 2025 - please book your presentation - bookings open on March 18 2025 and close on July 4 2025.
• September 15 2025 - please book your presentation - bookings open on July 15 2025 and close on September 6 2025.

The fund is designed to support arts and museum projects across the county. This includes projects that are:

• Led by arts and museum organisations or skilled freelancers.
• Delivered by arts and museum organisations that are registered charities, community interest companies, not for profit and social enterprises.
• Arts and museum organisations seeking funding for cultural activities or to purchase equipment or develop buildings that deliver cultural activity.

The fund is not available to:

• Cultural organisations run by or contracted out by Suffolk County Council, district or borough councils.
• Cultural organisations or freelancers based outside of Suffolk, without Suffolk partners.
• Cultural organisations with a commercial or profit share purpose.
• Cultural activities specifically developed and delivered to raise a donation for a charity.

The purpose of the fund is to invest in arts and museum projects that deliver against Suffolk County Council key priorities to look after our health and wellbeing, strengthen our local economy, protect and enhance the environment and provide value for money for our residents. 

Please read the application process for the size of grant you wish to apply for. 

Medium and large grants

If you are planning to apply for a medium or large grant please read the application process carefully and then book a pre-application conversation with one of the team. Please complete the relevant application form and email it to cultureprojectfund@suffolk.gov.uk by 12 noon Friday 29 November 2024.

Small grants

If you are planning on applying for a small grant of up to £1,500, please read all the details in the small grants section. There is no initial application form. Those applying for small grants will be asked to discuss their idea with a small panel. Grants will be awarded in principle, on the basis of the discussion. Those who are awarded a small grant in principle will be asked to complete a short application form before the grant is paid. 

Large grants

Large grants are between £15,001 and £50,000. Projects for this level of grant must:

• Be working in partnership with at least 1 other organisation.
• Have a track record of evaluation, evidencing high-quality delivery and community engagement.
• Deliver against at least 2 Suffolk County Council priorities.

In addition, we will welcome applications that attract other funding of at least 10%.

We recognise the challenge of seeking additional funding and will ask you to explain why you have not been able to secure other funding if you are unable to do so.

Medium grants

Medium grants are between £1,501 to £15,000. Projects for this level of grant must:

• Deliver against at least 1 Suffolk County Council priority.
• Have an emerging track record – evidenced by testimony.

In addition, we will welcome applications that attract other funding of at least 5%.

We recognise the challenge of seeking additional funding and will ask you to explain why you have not been able to secure other funding if you are unable to do so.

Small grants

Small grants are up to £1,500. Projects for this level of grant must:

• Be building a track record – evidenced by activity delivered.

This fund supports revenue and capital projects. The maximum spend on capital grants is £25,000 for large grants, £15,000 for medium grants and £1,500 for small grants. 

Capital grants can be considered as part of an application which includes both revenue and capital costs – the capital costs cannot exceed £25,000 but the overall project costs, including capital and revenue can go up to £50,000.

Capital projects must deliver against the council's priorities and have a track record.