Culture project fund overview

The application deadline will be at 12 noon on 28 November 2025.

The funding decisions will be announced at the end of February 2026. 

Who can apply?

The fund is designed to support arts and museum projects across the county. This includes projects led by:

• Arts and museum organisations that are registered charities, community interest companies, not for profit and social enterprises.
• Skilled arts freelancers.

What is an arts organisation?

We define an arts organisation as an organisation whose primary goal is to promote and develop artistic activity, often through producing performances, exhibitions, concerts, workshops or festivals.

Many arts organisations focus on engaging the public with art, making it accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

Arts organisations may seek funding for cultural activities or to purchase equipment or develop buildings that deliver cultural activity.

What is a museum?

We define a museum as a public-facing, collections-based institution that preserves and transmits knowledge, culture and history for past, present and future generations. This includes Full Members and Members of the Association for Suffolk Museums.

Projects that support the museum sustain or gain Museum Accreditation are welcomed. Museums may also seek funding for projects that develop:

• Resilience and governance
• Collections management and conservation
• Exhibitions
• Audiences
• Events and activities
• Museum buildings

Who cannot apply?

The fund is not available to:

• Cultural organisations run by or contracted out by Suffolk County Council, district or borough councils.
• Cultural organisations or freelancers based outside of Suffolk, without Suffolk partners.
• Cultural organisations with a commercial or profit share purpose.
• Cultural activities specifically developed and delivered to raise a donation for a charity.
• Organisations that do not have the delivery of arts or museum activity as their primary goal.

The purpose of the fund is to invest in arts and museum projects that deliver against Suffolk County Council key priorities to look after our health and wellbeing, strengthen our local economy, protect and enhance the environment and provide value for money for our residents. 

Please read the application process for the size of grant you wish to apply for. 

Medium and large grants

If you are planning to apply for a medium or large grant please read the application process carefully and then decided whether you need to book a pre-application conversation with one of the team. Please complete the relevant application form and email it to cultureprojectfund@suffolk.gov.uk by 12 noon Friday 28 November 2025.

Small grants

Details of small grants will be released at the end of March 2026. 

Large grants

Large grants are between £10,001 and £20,000. Projects for this level of grant must:

• Be working in partnership with at least 1 other organisation.
• Have a track record of evaluation, evidencing high-quality delivery and community engagement.
• Deliver against at least 2 Suffolk County Council priorities.

In addition, we will welcome applications that attract other funding of at least 10%.

We recognise the challenge of seeking additional funding and will ask you to explain why you have not been able to secure other funding if you are unable to do so.

Medium grants

Medium grants are between £1,501 to £10,000. Projects for this level of grant must:

• Deliver against at least 1 Suffolk County Council priority.
• Have an emerging track record – evidenced by testimony.

In addition, we will welcome applications that attract other funding of at least 5%.

We recognise the challenge of seeking additional funding and will ask you to explain why you have not been able to secure other funding if you are unable to do so.

Small grants

Small grants are up to £1,500. Projects for this level of grant must:

• Be building a track record – evidenced by activity delivered.

This fund supports revenue and capital projects. The maximum spend on capital grants is £10,000 for large grants and medium grants and £1,500 for small grants. 

Capital grants can be considered as part of an application which includes both revenue and capital costs – the capital costs cannot exceed £10,000 but the overall project costs, including capital and revenue can go up to £20,000 for large grants.

Capital projects must deliver against the council's priorities and have a track record.