Deadline: 28-Jun-2026
The Elephant Trust Main Fund provides grants to support new artistic work and small-scale creative projects in the United Kingdom. Funding is primarily aimed at artists, small galleries, and small organisations working in the fine arts, with grants usually ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 for imaginative new projects and exhibitions.
About the Elephant Trust Main Fund
The Elephant Trust Main Fund is a UK-based arts funding programme that supports the creation and production of new artistic work. The fund focuses on helping artists, galleries, and small organisations bring innovative ideas and exhibitions to life through financial assistance.
The programme prioritises projects that demonstrate creativity, originality, and a clear commitment to developing new work in the fine arts sector.
Funding Focus Areas
The fund supports:
- New artistic work
- Fine arts practice
- Creation of new exhibitions
- Small-scale artistic production
- Artist-led projects
- Contemporary art initiatives
- Independent galleries
- Small arts organisations
- Creative project development
- Innovative exhibition concepts
Grant Amount
Successful applicants typically receive:
- Grants between £2,000 and £5,000
- Support for project creation and production costs
- Funding that may help attract additional support from other funders
The Trustees encourage recipients to use the grant strategically to leverage further funding opportunities, including support from arts funding bodies.
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is designed for:
- Individual artists working in the fine arts
- Small arts organisations
- Independent galleries
- UK-based creative practitioners
- Organisations developing new artistic projects
- Exhibition organisers presenting new work
Priority is given to applicants with imaginative proposals focused on creating or producing new artistic work.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following types of projects are not supported:
- Arts festivals
- Group exhibitions
- Community project charities
- Student projects
- Educational studies
- Residencies
- Research projects
- Symposia
- Conferences
- Theatre projects
- Catalogue production
- Projects taking place outside the United Kingdom
Projects with total budgets exceeding £30,000 are also ineligible.
Why This Funding Matters
The Elephant Trust Main Fund fills an important gap in arts funding by supporting smaller-scale projects that may struggle to secure major grants.
Key benefits include:
- Financial support for emerging artistic ideas
- Funding for experimental and innovative work
- Assistance for independent artists and small organisations
- Opportunities to develop new exhibitions
- Potential to attract additional funding from larger institutions
- Support for the UK’s contemporary arts sector
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Develop a clear proposal for new artistic work or an exhibition.
- Ensure the project is based in the United Kingdom.
- Confirm that the total project budget does not exceed £30,000.
- Prepare all application materials according to the required format.
- Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
- Wait for the Trustees’ review process.
Applications that fail to follow the required format may be rejected.
Funding Conditions
Applicants should be aware of the following conditions:
- Grants generally range from £2,000 to £5,000.
- Funding is intended primarily for new work.
- Successful recipients must wait at least two years before applying again for a different project.
- The Trustees focus on projects with strong artistic merit and originality.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
To improve the chances of success:
- Do not submit projects outside the United Kingdom.
- Avoid applying for activities specifically listed as ineligible.
- Ensure the project budget does not exceed £30,000.
- Follow all application instructions carefully.
- Clearly explain how the project will create new artistic work.
- Demonstrate originality and artistic value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of the Elephant Trust Main Fund?
The fund supports the creation and production of new artistic work, particularly in the fine arts.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Most grants awarded are between £2,000 and £5,000.
Who can apply?
Artists, small galleries, and small arts organisations based in the United Kingdom can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Are large-scale projects eligible?
No. Projects with total budgets above £30,000 are not eligible for funding.
Can students apply for support?
No. Student projects are specifically excluded from funding.
Can organisations reapply after receiving funding?
Yes, but funded applicants must wait at least two years before submitting another application for a new project.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
Applicants who do not hear back within six weeks of the application deadline should assume their application has been unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The Elephant Trust Main Fund provides valuable financial support for artists, galleries, and small organisations developing new artistic work in the United Kingdom. By prioritising imaginative fine arts projects and small-scale exhibitions, the fund helps creative practitioners turn innovative ideas into reality while strengthening opportunities for future funding and artistic growth.
For more information, visit The Elephant Trust.
