Who can apply
We do not expect to award more than 70 grants and therefore foresee that this scheme will be over-subscribed and highly competitive. We would encourage you not to invest time and effort in making an application that is unlikely to be successful.
To be eligible to apply for Catalyst Arts: building fundraising capacity applicants need to meet all the following criteria:
- the lead applicant is strongly encouraged to discuss the proposed application with their regional Arts Council office before submitting it, however, you do not need their permission to apply
- all organisations in the consortium must be arts organisations who are able to demonstrate a contribution within England to goal 1 of Achieving great art for everyone
- the lead applicant must make an application as part of a consortium of organisations which can demonstrate common fundraising development needs. A consortium can be any number of organisations but there must be at least two members
- all organisations in the consortium must have received funding from the Arts Council in the last three years. This could be national portfolio, regular funding, Grants for the arts awards or other Arts Council funding excluding Catalyst grants
- the lead applicant must be able to demonstrate financial stability, appropriate governance and an ability to accept, administer and account for the grant on behalf of the consortium
- organisations can only be a member of one consortium
Consortium members can include Bridge organisations, music education hubs and arts organisations based within larger bodies such as local authorities and higher education institutions.
If you are trying to find members for a consortium, we have set up the Catalyst Arts: building fundraising capacity networking site which allows you to find others interested in the scheme.
Catalyst: building fundraising capacity will not be suitable for everyone. Arts organisations which are not in our national portfolio are reminded that they can make an application to Grants for the arts for organisational development activity, including fundraising capacity building, at any time.
If you would like to speak to someone at the Arts Council about this scheme, you can contact us by calling our enquiries team on 0845 300 6200 or email: enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk.
Who cannot apply
The following are not be eligible to apply to Catalyst Arts: building fundraising capacity as either a lead applicant or consortium member:
- individuals or organisations based (living) outside England or Wales
- organisations that can share out profits to members or shareholders
- individual educational establishments where the activity does not provide benefits to the wider community or artists
- libraries and museums. Please note that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting a programme of capacity building grants for museums and the heritage sector
