Applications open for Culture, Arts and Heritage Grant 2026-27 (UK)

The Causeway Coast and Glens Council Culture, Arts & Heritage Grant Scheme provides small grants of up to £1,000 to support local, not-for-profit groups delivering inclusive cultural, arts, and heritage activities across the borough. The scheme aims to improve access to affordable, high-quality cultural services for residents and visitors while strengthening local creativity, heritage, and community engagement.

Overview of the Grant Scheme

The Causeway Coast and Glens Council is inviting applications for its Culture, Arts & Heritage Grant Scheme to support local organisations delivering cultural services across the borough.

The scheme focuses on ensuring that residents and visitors can access inclusive, affordable, and engaging cultural activities, including arts programmes, museum-related initiatives, and heritage projects.

It was developed following extensive community consultation and reflects local priorities, aspirations, and cultural needs.

Aims and Objectives

The grant scheme is designed to strengthen local cultural provision and community participation.

Its key objectives include:

• Supporting high-quality cultural, arts, and heritage activities

• Increasing access to inclusive and affordable cultural services

• Encouraging community engagement and participation

• Enhancing the cultural offer for residents and visitors

• Supporting locally led cultural initiatives

Projects should demonstrate clear cultural value and community benefit.

Funding Available

The scheme offers small-scale financial support to enable local delivery.

Key funding details include:

• Grants available for up to 100% of eligible project costs

• Maximum award of £1,000 per project

• Funding supports short-term or one-off cultural activities

Funding is intended to remove financial barriers for community-led cultural projects.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applications are open to formally constituted, not-for-profit organisations that operate locally.

Eligible applicants include:

• Cultural and arts organisations

• Heritage and historical groups

• Drama and theatre societies

• Photographic and visual arts clubs

• Community development organisations

• Umbrella organisations delivering activities at a local level

Organisations must be based in, or primarily operating within, the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area.

Governance and Organisational Requirements

To qualify, organisations must demonstrate strong governance and accountability.

Applicants must:

• Have a constitution or equivalent governing document

• Maintain open and transparent membership

• Operate in a fair, accountable, and responsible manner

• Hold appropriate insurance cover

• Comply with all relevant legal requirements

These requirements ensure public funds are managed responsibly.

Equality, Inclusion, and Good Relations

All funded organisations are expected to promote equality and positive community relations.

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Uphold equal opportunities in all activities

• Promote good relations between different community groups

• Deliver inclusive and accessible cultural activities

• Ensure safeguarding and risk management practices are in place

Inclusive practice is a core requirement of the scheme.

How the Grant Scheme Works

Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the Council.

As part of this process, funded organisations must:

1. Work closely with officers from the Council’s Cultural Services Unit

2. Deliver the approved cultural or heritage activity

3. Provide monitoring and evaluation information

4. Participate in review and feedback processes

This approach ensures transparency, learning, and continuous improvement.

How to Apply

Organisations should prepare a clear and focused application.

A strong application should include:

1. Description of the cultural, arts, or heritage project

2. Explanation of community benefit and participation

3. Project budget and funding request

4. Evidence of organisational eligibility and governance

5. Details of project delivery timeline

6. Confirmation of insurance and compliance

Applications should clearly show how the project aligns with the aims of the scheme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following common issues:

• Applying without a formal constitution or governing document

• Submitting incomplete budgets or unclear project plans

• Proposing activities outside the council area

• Failing to demonstrate inclusivity or community benefit

• Not providing required monitoring information

Clear, well-prepared applications are more likely to succeed.

Why This Grant Matters

Local cultural organisations play a vital role in community wellbeing and identity.

This grant scheme helps to:

• Strengthen local cultural provision

• Support grassroots creativity and heritage

• Encourage participation across diverse communities

• Enhance the cultural profile of the borough

Small grants can have a meaningful impact at community level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum amount that can be applied for?

The maximum grant available is £1,000 per project.

Can the grant cover all project costs?

Yes. Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.

Who can apply for the scheme?

Formally constituted, not-for-profit organisations operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area.

What types of projects are eligible?

Arts, cultural, museum-related, and heritage projects that benefit the local community.

Are umbrella organisations eligible?

Yes, provided the funded activities take place at a local level within the borough.

Are monitoring and evaluation required?

Yes. Successful applicants must provide monitoring information and participate in review processes.

Do organisations need insurance?

Yes. Appropriate insurance cover is a requirement for all funded activities.

Conclusion

The Causeway Coast and Glens Council Culture, Arts & Heritage Grant Scheme offers an accessible funding opportunity for local organisations to deliver meaningful cultural projects.

By supporting inclusive, community-led arts and heritage initiatives, the scheme helps enrich cultural life across the borough while strengthening local identity, participation, and engagement.