We are pleased to announce the relaunch of the Cultural Capital Fund (CCF), now operating as a Special Initiative within the Open Programme’s Formal Education area! The updated guidelines build on the successes and lessons learned from the Fund’s initial phase, which began in 2021 as part of the Home-School-Community (HSC) Strategy.

This shift reflects a renewed commitment to enhancing Arts access in schools across our Beneficial Area, continuing the valuable work of HSC but with a clearer focus on long-term sustainability and broader impact. The updated CCF offers expanded funding opportunities designed to maximise impact, particularly in schools where Arts education may not be a primary focus.

Through the Cultural Capital Fund, Arts organisations can apply for grants between £10,000 and £30,000 per year for a maximum of two years, provided they work with at least two schools within the Beneficial Area.

The CCF is specifically tailored for smaller Arts organisations aiming to make a meaningful impact through partnerships with local schools, without the extended requirements associated with the Open Programme. Please note that organisations may apply to either the CCF or the Open Programme, but not both; if you’re unsure which fund is the best fit, contact your Grants Manager or email [email protected].

There is a single-stage application process for the Cultural Capital Fund, and applications must be submitted via the Grants Portal before the deadline of 10th January. These applications will be reviewed by the Charity Management Board, and the first round of new CCF grants will be announced in March 2025 to support the 2025/26 academic year.

To find out more information about the relaunched Cultural Capital Fund, please click the button below:

Evolving from HSC

The relaunch builds on the Cultural Capital Fund’s success as part of the Home-School-Community Strategy, which was initiated in 2021 to expand Arts engagement for children and young people in schools. Since then, the CCF has reached over 80,000 young people – approximately 25% of the young people in the Beneficial Area – through performances, workshops, and cultural visits.  

HSC demonstrated that access to the Arts broadens horizons and enhances educational engagement, creativity, and well-being for young people, laying the groundwork for this expanded fund. Now moving forward independently from HSC, the CCF will focus more on the specific needs of schools and Arts organisations, aiming to support a wider audience with a focus on sustainable impact. 

The relaunch of the Cultural Capital Fund reflects our commitment to fostering dynamic partnerships between schools and the cultural sector, ensuring that all young people have opportunities to engage with the Arts.