Deadline: 13-Apr-2026
The Culture Grants Medium programme provides funding of up to £5,000 for medium-scale arts, culture, and heritage projects in the Wakefield district. Open to individuals, charities, schools, and Community Interest Companies (CICs), the programme supports projects that foster community engagement, skill development for young people, and creative wellbeing.
Programme Overview
The Culture Grants Medium initiative is designed to support medium-scale creative, cultural, and heritage activities within the Wakefield district. It encourages projects that are community-focused and cannot be achieved using existing resources, capacity, or budget.
The programme promotes projects that:
- Develop creative skills, particularly for young people
- Foster community participation and engagement
- Produce new work in arts, culture, or heritage
- Explore connections between creativity, wellbeing, and nature
Key Funding Themes
Applicants must align their projects with one or more of the following 2026 funding themes:
- Creative Wellbeing – Projects that use creativity to enhance health, mental wellbeing, or social cohesion.
- Creativity and Nature – Initiatives that connect arts or heritage projects with natural environments or outdoor spaces.
- New Creative Work – Supporting the development of original cultural or heritage outputs for community benefit.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals residing in the Wakefield district
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Schools, academies, and colleges with a charitable arm
Requirements for applicants:
- Must have a registered home or business address in Wakefield
- Projects must be arts or heritage-based and delivered with or in the community
- Lead applicants must hold Public Liability Insurance during project delivery
- Projects involving children or vulnerable adults require evidence of safeguarding policies
Not Eligible:
- Constituted community groups and parish or town councils (these groups can apply for Culture Grants Small)
Organisational Eligibility Criteria
For charities, CICs, or organisations applying:
- Must have at least three independent trustees, directors, or committee members
- Must possess a governing document (constitution or memorandum & articles of association)
- Must maintain a bank account in the organisation’s name with at least two unrelated signatories
- Must keep records of income and expenditure
Project Requirements
To be eligible, projects must:
- Clearly align with one or more of the Culture Grants 2026 themes
- Provide benefits to the wider community, not just students of an educational institution
- Demonstrate that the activity cannot be delivered using existing capacity, budget, or resources
- Include extra-curricular activities with community engagement; activities tied solely to coursework, attainment, or paid/subsidised programmes are not eligible
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit an application:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the applicant and project meet all criteria.
- Define the Project: Outline project objectives, expected outcomes, and community impact.
- Gather Documentation: Include insurance details, safeguarding policies (if needed), and organisational records.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide clear alignment with one or more funding themes and a detailed budget.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure submission is complete to be considered.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Clearly demonstrate community benefit and wider impact
- Align the project with one or more Culture Grants themes
- Include evidence of planning, budgeting, and risk mitigation
- Highlight opportunities for young people to develop skills or lead activities
- Ensure all organisational governance and insurance requirements are met
FAQs
1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Funding is available up to £5,000 for medium-scale projects.
2. Can schools apply for Medium grants?
Yes, schools, academies, and colleges with a charitable arm can apply, provided the project benefits the wider community.
3. Are community groups eligible?
Constituted community groups, parish councils, or town councils are not eligible for Medium grants, but can apply for Culture Grants Small.
4. Is Public Liability Insurance required?
Yes, all lead applicants must have Public Liability Insurance in place during project delivery.
5. Can projects tied to coursework receive funding?
No, only extra-curricular or community-focused activities are eligible; projects linked solely to coursework, attainment, or paid programmes are not.
6. What documentation is needed for organisations?
Organisations must provide a governing document, bank account details with two unrelated signatories, trustee/director information, and financial records.
7. Are projects involving children or vulnerable adults eligible?
Yes, but safeguarding policies or measures must be provided as evidence.
Conclusion
The Culture Grants Medium programme empowers individuals, organisations, and schools in Wakefield to deliver meaningful, community-focused arts, culture, and heritage projects. By providing funding of up to £5,000, the programme fosters creative wellbeing, skill development for young people, and new cultural work that enriches the wider community.
For more information, visit Wakefield Council.