Arts Council England: Project Grants Advice Session

Thinking about applying for Arts Council funding but not sure where to start?

Following the reopening of National Lottery Project Grants (NLPG) applications (on 1st April 2026), we’re hosting a free information session aimed at first-time applicants and those who haven’t previously received funding from Arts Council England.

Led by London-based Relationship Managers in the Theatre team, this session will provide an overview of the application process, funding criteria, and general guidance to help participants craft strong applications. We’ll focus particularly on applications to the Under £30k strand, with advice on projects that involve research and development (R&D) and short performance runs at the early stages of developing work.

Please note: the NLPG application form itself has not changed. This session is specifically designed to support first-time applicants in understanding the process and preparing their proposals. Research & Development for Individuals was a time-limited priority for NLPG that is no longer accepting applications. A new round of Developing Your Creative Practice will be launched with refreshed guidance in Spring, with the fund opening for applications in June.

If you want to discuss your project in more detail, please check out our further support through Theatre Deli’s Virtual Drop-Ins.

We especially encourage attendance from individuals and groups who align with the National Lottery Project Grants priorities. Data has shown that certain groups and locations in London are currently underrepresented as applicants and beneficiaries in Project Grants funding, including:

• Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse people.

• D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people.

In London, the following areas have been identified as Priority Places:

• Barking & Dagenham

• Enfield

• Brent

• Newham

• Croydon

The presentation will last approximately 30-minutes, followed by a Q&A. We will cover the following topics:

• Access Support: Information on available support for those experiencing barriers to applying

• Eligibility: What you can and cannot apply for

• Application Insights: Key questions and areas to focus on in the application

• Decision-Making Criteria: An overview of how decisions are made

• Funding Options: The difference between National Lottery Project Grants and Developing Your Creative Practice

• Current Success Rates: Recent data on application success rates

• Timeline and Feedback: Expected decision timelines and how to access feedback on applications

• Tips and FAQs: General guidance and answers to frequently asked questions

• 1:1 Advice Sessions: How to schedule personalised support sessions

A significant portion of time will be dedicated to addressing participants' questions.

There are a range of useful resources on the Arts Council England website, you may find it useful to familiarise yourself with the relevant guidance below:

• Guidance for Applicants - £30,000 and Under

• Guidance for applicants: £30,001-£100,000
• Latest Grant Systems Update

• BSL interpreters are available upon request, please email [email protected] if required.
• If you have other access requirements, please make them clear when asked at registration.
• If you’re unable to access the information on this page or register for the event using Eventbrite, please get in touch via [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Theatre Deli, 107 Leadenhall Street, London, United Kingdom

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