Call for CLICK Arts Foundation Support Grants (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The CLICK Arts Foundation Grants Program provides grants of up to £2,000 to support charitable arts projects that improve wellbeing, build confidence, develop skills, and increase community access to the arts across the UK. Priority is given to grassroots, community-led initiatives that benefit disadvantaged or excluded groups and create meaningful local impact through arts-based activities.

CLICK Arts Foundation Grants Overview

The CLICK Arts Foundation offers small grants to registered charities and eligible organizations delivering community arts projects that improve people’s wellbeing and increase participation in creative activities.

The fund focuses on supporting grassroots initiatives where a relatively small grant can make a significant difference. Projects should be community-led, inclusive, and designed to create measurable social benefits through engagement with the arts.

Although applications are accepted from across the UK, the foundation currently places particular emphasis on projects based in Northampton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and surrounding Midlands areas.

Funding Available

Eligible applicants may apply for:

• Maximum grant: Up to £2,000

Funding may be awarded:

• In full, or
• Partially, depending on available resources and the strength of the application.

Funding Objectives

The CLICK Arts Foundation aims to:

• Improve wellbeing through participation in the arts.
• Build confidence and self-esteem.
• Support lifelong learning.
• Develop practical and creative skills.
• Encourage teamwork and collaboration.
• Improve community inclusion.
• Increase access to arts activities.
• Create welcoming, kind, and safe environments.
• Deliver meaningful local community impact.

Priority Funding Areas

Projects are encouraged to address one or more of the following priorities:

Wellbeing and Confidence

Projects that:

• Improve mental and emotional wellbeing.
• Build confidence and self-belief.
• Encourage positive social interaction.

Learning and Skills Development

Activities that:

• Develop creative abilities.
• Build practical skills.
• Encourage personal growth through arts participation.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Projects that:

• Increase access to the arts.
• Remove participation barriers.
• Support underserved or excluded communities.
• Improve accessibility for diverse participants.

Community Engagement

Initiatives that:

• Strengthen local communities.
• Encourage participation.
• Foster teamwork.
• Build stronger community relationships.

Safe and Supportive Spaces

Projects that:

• Create kind and welcoming environments.
• Promote inclusion and respect.
• Support participant wellbeing.

What the Grant Can Support

Funding may be used for:

• Arts project materials.
• Equipment.
• Creative resources.
• Essential project assets.
• Accessibility improvements.
• Costs that broaden participation.
• Facilitator fees only where they are essential to improving access to arts activities for the target group.

The emphasis is on enabling greater participation rather than covering general staffing costs.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered UK charities with exclusively charitable purposes.
• National organizations, including universities, where statutory funding is unavailable or insufficient.

Projects should be independently designed and delivered for community benefit.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a registered UK charity or another eligible organization.
• Deliver projects that align with the foundation’s charitable objectives.
• Demonstrate clear community benefit.
• Focus on improving wellbeing through the arts.
• Deliver projects within the UK.
• Submit applications using the official grant application form.

Priority is given to organizations supporting people with the greatest need.

Geographic Focus

The foundation accepts eligible projects across the United Kingdom, with an initial funding focus on:

• Northampton.
• Milton Keynes.
• Buckinghamshire.
• Surrounding Midlands communities.

Organizations outside these areas may still be considered if they meet the funding criteria.

Funding Priorities

The foundation gives particular priority to projects that:

• Benefit disadvantaged communities.
• Support excluded or underrepresented groups.
• Deliver measurable local impact.
• Increase access to creative opportunities.
• Enable participation through small-scale funding.
• Make larger community projects possible through targeted support.

Projects That May Receive Lower Priority

The foundation generally gives lower priority to:

• Projects with very large overall budgets where a £2,000 grant would represent only a small proportion of total funding.

However, larger projects may still be considered if:

• A clearly defined component can be completed within the funding limit.
• The funded activity delivers direct and measurable local impact.

Additional Project Considerations

Projects should:

• Be independently planned and managed.
• Directly benefit local communities.
• Clearly align with the foundation’s mission.

Projects delivered within another organization’s facilities or programmes may need to seek support directly from that organization unless exceptional circumstances justify funding.

Application Timeline

Applications are considered twice each year.

June Funding Round

• Applications open: 1 January
• Applications close: 30 April

December Funding Round

• Applications open: 1 July
• Applications close: 31 October

Applications submitted after the closing dates will normally be considered in the next funding round, where applicable.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Review the CLICK Arts Foundation funding priorities.
2. Confirm that your organization is eligible.
3. Design a project that promotes wellbeing through the arts.
4. Prepare a realistic project budget.
5. Complete the official grant application form.
6. Submit the application by email before the relevant deadline.
7. Await review by the Foundation trustees.

Assessment Process

Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s trustees.

The assessment considers:

• Alignment with the foundation’s charitable mission.
• Community benefit.
• Local impact.
• Project feasibility.
• Support for disadvantaged groups.
• Value for money.
• Strength of the application.

Funding decisions may result in either full or partial grants.

Why This Grant Matters

The CLICK Arts Foundation supports organizations that use the arts to create lasting positive change.

The grant helps communities by:

• Improving wellbeing.
• Reducing social isolation.
• Increasing arts participation.
• Supporting inclusive community activities.
• Building confidence.
• Developing practical and creative skills.
• Creating safe and welcoming environments.
• Helping grassroots organizations deliver meaningful local projects.

Small grants can often enable projects that would otherwise be difficult to deliver.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain how the project improves wellbeing.
• Demonstrate direct community impact.
• Show how the arts will benefit participants.
• Focus on disadvantaged or excluded groups.
• Present a realistic and achievable budget.
• Explain why funding is essential.
• Highlight measurable outcomes.
• Ensure the project aligns closely with the foundation’s priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying without charitable eligibility.
• Requesting funding for activities outside the foundation’s priorities.
• Submitting incomplete application forms.
• Proposing projects with limited community benefit.
• Including facilitator costs that are not essential for accessibility.
• Requesting funding for a small portion of a very large project without demonstrating clear standalone impact.
• Missing the application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the CLICK Arts Foundation Grant?

It is a small grants program that provides up to £2,000 to support charitable arts projects that improve wellbeing, promote inclusion, and increase community access to the arts across the UK.

2. How much funding can organizations receive?

Eligible organizations may apply for up to £2,000. Grants may be awarded in full or in part.

3. Who can apply?

Registered UK charities with exclusively charitable purposes and certain national organizations, such as universities lacking adequate statutory funding, may apply.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Projects that improve wellbeing, build confidence, increase arts accessibility, develop skills, encourage teamwork, create safe community spaces, and support disadvantaged groups through arts participation are eligible.

5. When can applications be submitted?

There are two application rounds each year:

• June funding round: Applications accepted from 1 January to 30 April.
• December funding round: Applications accepted from 1 July to 31 October.

6. How are applications submitted?

Applications must be submitted by email using the official CLICK Arts Foundation grant application form.

7. What factors do the trustees consider during assessment?

Trustees assess community impact, alignment with the foundation’s mission, support for disadvantaged groups, project quality, feasibility, and the overall strength of the application before deciding whether to award full or partial funding.

Conclusion

The CLICK Arts Foundation Grants Program provides up to £2,000 to help charities deliver grassroots arts initiatives that improve wellbeing, build confidence, develop skills, and strengthen communities. By prioritizing inclusive, community-led projects that create meaningful local impact, the foundation enables organizations across the UK to use the arts as a powerful tool for social connection, personal development, and positive community change.

For more information, visit CLICK Arts Foundation.