Arts Core Fund: East Suffolk

A new core grant funding programme supporting arts organisations, to improve local places, reduce inequalities and strengthen local economies and the cultural sector.

Investing in creativity - Inspiring communities

Please read the in-depth guidance using the link at the top of this page.

The Arts Core Fund (2026–2027) is a newly launched grant scheme delivered by East Suffolk Council. Unlike standard project grants, this fund is specifically designed to invest in the core operating costs (overheads) of established, strategically significant arts organisations. The goal is to strengthen the local creative sector, boost the visitor economy, reduce environmental impact, and improve community health, well-being, and outcomes for children and young people.

Strategic Objectives

To secure funding, your full application must demonstrate how your organisation meets two of the following core objectives from the Council's Our Direction 2028 and East Suffolk’s Cultural Strategy:

  • Thriving Economy: Supporting East Suffolk towns viability, the visitor economy, and creative sector economy;
  • Tackling Inequalities: Improving health and wellbeing through cultural participation.  Children and Young People: Supporting participation and creating creative career pathways for young people;
  • Environmental Impact: Connecting residents with nature and reducing your carbon footprint.

Grant Value & Funding Period

  • Funding Amount: Grants range from a minimum of £10,000 to a maximum of £30,000;
  • Turnover Cap: The total award is strictly limited to a maximum of 20% of your organisation’s annual turnover;
  • Funding Window: The grant covers a 12-month delivery period running from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2027.

What Can Be Funded?

This grant exclusively funds the essential "behind-the-scenes" costs required to keep your organisation running so you can deliver your vital community programmes:

  • Staffing: Salaries for core administrative, finance, and management roles, plus recruitment and professional training;
  • Premises: Rent, business rates, insurance, utilities (heating and electricity), and building maintenance;
  • Office Operations: IT hardware, software, internet connectivity, phone lines, and general stationery;
  • Governance & Finance: Audit fees, accountancy, bookkeeping, bank charges, and legal compliance costs.

You will be required to identify how the core fund will be allocated in advance of being awarded.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, your organisation can use the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage to confirm that it meets all of the following requirements:

  • Legal Status: A registered not-for-profit organisation (e.g., Charity, CIC, CIO, or Company Limited by Guarantee) focused on delivering creative activities like visual arts, music, dance, or theatre;
  • East Suffolk Based: Registered and established in East Suffolk for at least two years;
  • Delivery Model: Operates a physical, high-street cultural venue open to the public OR delivers a specialist, district-wide arts initiative (such as music, theatre or creative health);
  • Employment: Directly employs staff or regularly commissions East Suffolk-based creative freelancers;
  • Funding Cap: Does not currently receive more than £130,000 per annum from East Suffolk Council or Arts Council England.

Please note that Museums and Heritage organisations are not eligible to apply for this specific arts core operating fund.

How to Apply: The Two-Stage Process

All applications must be completed digitally via a My East Suffolk online account. A blank Microsoft Word template is available from the grants team to draft your application offline before pasting it into the system.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) : 

You can submit a short Expression of Interest using the link at the top of this page.

  • The Process: A quick preliminary check to confirm your basic eligibility and strategic alignment. Council officers can provide informal advice about your eligibility during this stage;
  • The Outcome: A Grants Officer will review the EOI and notify you of the result within 10 working days. If successful, you will be formally invited to Stage 2.

Decisions at this stage are final and cannot be appealed.

Stage 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)

  • The Process: A comprehensive deep dive into your programming, finances, governance, and business resilience. You will be required to submit formal supporting documents, including your governing document, annual accounts, business plan, and safeguarding policies;
  • The Assessment: Applications are scored from 0 to 4 across the strategic pillars. A grant panel makes final funding decisions based on quality scores, available budget, and geographic spread across the district.

Decisions at this stage are final and cannot be appealed.

Key Scheme Timeline

  • 29 June 2026: Fund Opens for Stage 1 EOI submissions;
  • 13 July 2026: (by 11.59 pm): Stage 1 EOI Deadline;
  • 20 July 2026: Stage 2 Full Application Window Opens (Invitation Only);
  • 23rd August 2026: (by 11.59pm) Stage 2 Full Application Deadline.

For further help or eligibility questions, please contact the grants team.