1. Does an organisation have to be based in Suffolk or just working in Suffolk?
An organisation can be based elsewhere but must be delivering all of the project in Suffolk and must have a Suffolk partner.
2. Can bigger organisations submit more than one project idea?
We will not fund organisations to deliver more than one project as part of this fund. Large organisations can submit bids on behalf of non-constituted organisations who are partnering with them, as well as an individual bid.
3. Does the grant have to be spent within one financial year?
We will support projects that start after Monday 31 March 2025 and finish by Wednesday 30 September 2026.
4. Is it an advantage or disadvantage to have acquired match funding?
Match funding is not compulsory, but it is valued and scored. This means that those with match funding may have a higher chance of success.
5. Will we read draft grant applications?
We will not read draft applications before they are submitted, but we will have pre-application conversations for applications for medium and large grants and we welcome conversations for small grants.
6. How many projects do we expect to handle in a year?
We expect a high volume of applications and anticipate that the fund will be oversubscribed.
7. Do I have to submit an Expression of Interest?
We do not require applicants to submit an expression of interest. However, we require those applying for large and medium grants to have had a pre-application conversation with us and we welcome conversations with those applying for small grants.
8. Will you provide alternative funding suggestions if my project idea isn’t fit for this grant scheme?
Yes, if we know of alternative funding sources we will provide this advice following a pre-application conversation.
9. Can local authorities apply?
We will not fund local authorities or cultural organisations run or contracted out by Suffolk County Council, district or borough councils. However, we will fund town and parish councils.
10. Do I have to complete a grant form for a Small Grant?
There is no initial application form for small grants. Those seeking a small grant will book a presentation session with the small grant panel. Grants will be awarded in principle, on the basis of the presentation. Applicants who are awarded a small grant in principle will be asked to complete a short form before the grant is paid.
11. How can I find out more about the Fund?
We are holding two briefings. The first briefing is at DanceEast on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and the second is online on Wednesday 2 October2024. Applicants for medium and large grants are required to have a pre-application conversation. We also welcome pre-application conversations from small grant applicants.
12. Does volunteer time count as match funding or does it have to be cash? If it does, is there a formula that we would use to calculate this?
We value volunteers and encourage you to tell us about the involvement of volunteer time in your project, but we do not require you to calculate volunteer time as match funding. All match funding needs to be cash.
13. Does in-kind count as match funding?
No, we’re not counting in-kind as match funding, but tell us in the match funding questions if you feel there is particular value.
14. Is this fund going to be available every year?
Suffolk County Council sets its budget on an annual basis. We have funding for 2025-26 and encourage you to submit your project ideas now.
