Cultural Capital Fund – Arts Organisations

The Cultural Capital Fund (CCF) has relaunched to offer expanded and accessible support for schools eager to bring impactful Arts experiences to their students.

Originally part of the Home-School-Community (HSC) Strategy, the CCF now operates as a Special Initiative within the Open Programme, dedicated to enhancing Arts education in schools across our Beneficial Area by strengthening partnerships between Arts organisations and schools. The CCF provides funding to community-focused Arts organisations to help deliver high-quality, engaging Arts experiences that enrich children and young people.

Grants of up to £30,000 per year for two years are available for Arts organisations partnering with at least two schools, enabling these organisations to expand their impact and help cultivate a lasting appreciation for the Arts among children and young people.

This Fund supports smaller Arts organisations whilst enriching Arts programming in schools, making it a core part of education across our Beneficial Area. By working together, we aim to bridge gaps in Arts education, creating opportunities for creativity, engagement, and sustainable growth through the Arts for children and young people.

If you are an Arts organisation that operates within our Beneficial Area, please click on the links below to see if you are eligible for the Cultural Capital Fund.

Eligibility: This fund is exclusive to Arts organisations. Arts organisations must be registered charities and should have Arts activities as their core charitable objective.

Arts organisations must be delivering Arts activities in at least two schools in the Beneficial Area. Arts organisations must either be based in the Beneficial Area or have a track record in the Beneficial Area.

Arts organisations must not currently be in receipt of funds from John Lyon’s Charity, except through the School Holiday Activity Fund. Organisations may only apply for a CCF grant or through the Open Grants Programme, but not both. If we believe your project is better suited to the Open Programme, we will contact you to discuss alternative funding options.

To be eligible for this Fund, any music projects must have an established connection with the local Music Hub and identify schools that fit with the Music Hub's local strategy. Please note that whole class music tuition is not eligible.

Projects should focus on large group participation, whether that be whole class, whole year group or whole school. Projects which are targeted at pre-identified and specific cohorts of young people should apply to the Open Programme.

Projects should be inclusive and can run across Early Years, primary, secondary or special educational needs settings.
Funding Guidelines: John Lyon’s Charity welcomes all applications from Arts organisations, but is particularly interested in hearing from organisations who offer under-represented dance and music-based activities that reflect the diversity of the Beneficial Area.

Applications should be made to deliver activities in face-to-face environments. Funding will not be awarded for projects designed to be delivered online or digitally.

Applications would be strengthened where organisations can demonstrate existing interest from schools.

Organisations must have a proven track record of delivering cultural enrichment or educational outreach projects within schools in the Charity’s Beneficial Area. Applicants should demonstrate robust plans for fostering ongoing engagement from schools and achieving effective project outcomes.

The projects do not have to be newly established, however Arts organisations must clearly highlight why the project is needed.

Projects should prioritise schools in areas that are more at risk of social and cultural deprivation. Projects must work across a minimum of two or more schools and add value to the curriculum.

Projects should provide high-quality Arts experiences in schools that do not typically prioritise Arts education. Projects can include elements of outreach, site visits, workshops, materials and CPD support for teachers.

Grants will not be released until schools are confirmed and letters of support received from participating schools.

Schools do not need to contribute financially to these projects but must demonstrate commitment in other ways. Organisations should articulate their strategies for ensuring consistent school engagement and participation.

This funding can contribute towards permanent members of staff and their salary costs for up to two years at the Arts organisation. Costs can include sessional staffing or specialist arts practitioners to deliver projects. This Fund can also include a proportion of management costs for the organisation.
How Much Can You Apply For?: Arts organisations can apply for grants between £10,000 and £30,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
Timeframe: The application deadline is Friday, 10 January, and applications will be reviewed at the March meeting of the Grants Committee.

If you miss the deadline but are still interested in applying, please submit an EOI to discuss potential options with our Grants Team.
How to Apply: There is a single stage application process for the Cultural Capital Fund, which you can access by completing an application form, available on our Grants portal.

Please ensure all eligibility criteria are met and provide as much detail as possible about the schools you wish to partner with and your proposed Arts activities.

Apply via the Grants Portal

John Lyon's Charity

Grant-giving charity supporting young people in nine London boroughs

Cultural Capital Fund – Arts Organisations