Applying for funding

Applying for funding
Arts project grant
Nature conservation grant
Community language teaching
Mentoring (disaffected pupils) funding programme
Supplementary Education

Arts project grants provide full or part funding for projects happening in and benefiting the residents of the London Borough of Croydon.

Deadline: Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 11th April 2008.

Project Timetable: Projects must not be due to start until after Monday 2nd June 2008.

Grants will be awarded to projects:

of high artistic quality
that are planned by local people and/or provide a valuable learning and development opportunity for residents
involve Croydon's residents as active participants and not just as audience members
that are over and above an organisation's regular activities

which meet one of the Arts Project Grant Aims:

providing better and fairer access
achieving better outcomes for children and young people
regenerating the borough
improving the environment
reducing crime and disorder
improving health and social care
celebrating cultural identity and valuing diversity

Grants will not be awarded to projects that:

duplicate or clash with projects already happening in Croydon
are solely fundraising schemes
promote religious or political beliefs
are capital development (e.g. improvements to workshop space)
involve training not related to a specific project
are by individuals applying on their own
have already started
are proposed by organisations where key members of the project management team are already receiving £3,000 in arts project grant(s) in the same financial year
are proposed by organisations still involved in a previously funded project
are proposed by profit making organisations

Only not-for-profit organisations may apply for Arts Project Grants. There are two schemes:

Scheme One - up to £1,000
Scheme Two - up to £3,000

To see if you are eligible for a council grant, you will need to read the criteria then download part 1 and 2 of the application form (see below). It is advisable to read the application form guidance notes and to book an advice surgery. To do this, please use the contact details below.

Scheme One: Funding up to £1,000

Applications are invited from:

established groups with a history of small scale arts or cultural projects
established groups who have no history of arts involvement but would like to trial an arts project or arts element in their work - these groups must be supported by or employ an arts expert/artist for guidance
new groups or collectives who do not have a constitution or financial history
partnership applications from more than one group
partnership applications from an individual and an established group
several individuals forming a project-specific collective

Funding is available for:

one-off or short term projects
pilot projects
up to 10 per cent of the total amount applied for can be for specific training which is vital to the project
funding may be spent on equipment vital to the project

NB applicants must clearly state what will happen to funded equipment after the project ends - if more than £100 is spent on a single piece of equipment, it will become the property of the Arts & Community Development Division. It will then be available for future community projects.

Scheme Two: Funding up to £3,000

Applications are invited from:

constituted groups experienced in running arts projects
constituted groups experienced in running non-arts projects and with some track record of using arts activities in their work; these groups must be supported by or employ an arts expert/artist for guidance
partnership applications where at least one partner is a constituted group

Funding is available for:

new projects which provide activities over and above core annual work programme
developmental projects which show clear progression from a previous pilot or small scale project
repetition of a previous project if the project was unsuccessful, wholly or in part, and applicants show how they have learnt from the experience and redesigned the project. Applicants must show clear need for the project to be repeated. Applicants must also bear in mind any changes in annual priorities
up to 10 per cent of the total amount applied for can be used for specific training vital to the project
funding may be spent on equipment vital to the project.

NB applicants must clearly state what will happen to funded equipment after the project ends - if more than £100 is spent on a single piece of equipment, it will become the property of the Arts & Community Development Service. It will then be available for future community projects.

Funding surgeries

If you wish to apply for funding we strongly recommend that you attend a funding surgery. This is an informal meeting to discuss your project and receive advice on completing the application form.

Other sources of funding

As well as giving Arts project grants we can advise you on other grants that you can apply for and help you complete your application. Call or email us to make an appointment.