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?
Suffolk County Council values match funding. It can bring national money into the county and it can grow the cultural economy. We also recognise that securing a range of funds to deliver a project can be challenging. Therefore, match funding is desired and will inform decision making: but it is not essential. As a guide we would like to see at least 5% of the value of Suffolk County Council Culture Project Funding for Medium Grants and at least 10% of the value of Suffolk County Council Culture Project Funding for Large Grants.
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 October 2024. 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.
15. Everyday running costs for medium grant applications
If your project has match funding, we will expect to pay no more than 10% of the value of the Suffolk County Council Culture Project Grant being applied for management costs. Please note, the total grant being applied for, including the management costs, must not go over £15,000.
16. Everyday running costs for large grant applications
If your project has match funding, we will expect to pay no more than 10% of the value of the Suffolk County Council Culture Project Grant being applied for management costs. Please note, the total grant being applied for, including the management costs, must not go over £50,000.
17. Does the pre-application conversation need to be a one-to-one, or can several members of the organisation be involved in the pre-application conversation?
We welcome organisations to bring whoever they want to pre-application conversations.
18. Are project delivery costs valid to include in a budget for applications from individual freelancers as opposed to an organisation?
You are welcome to include full cost recovery. Full cost recovery is a proportion of your organisation’s everyday running costs, overheads or core costs. It should be no more than 10% of the grant you are requesting from the Culture Project Fund. You do not have to show us how you have calculated full cost recovery. This is in addition to the direct costs of running your project.
For example:
- Total project costs £20,000
- Amount requested from Culture Project Fund £15,000
- Full cost recovery (10% of CPF request) £1,500
19. Do Google and Tripadvisor reviews count as testimony?
We accept Google and Tripadvisor reviews as legitimate forms of testimony
20. Does the level of reserves an organisation has matter?
We’re open to funding organisations with any level of reserves. However, you should be aware that Suffolk County Council could ask to see annual reports as part of the awarding of the grant.
21. Can an organisation apply if it has started trading this year without audited accounts?
We will ask for managements accounts if you’ve started trading enough to produce audited accounts. You are not excluded from applying to this fund if you’ve been running for less than a year.
