• Consortia, from the arts or non-arts sectors, that meet the aims and objectives of the work are eligible to apply. A consortium must include representation from the local community and artists and/or arts organisations.
  • The focus of this fund is the arts; this can include museums and libraries where they are providing arts based activities and opportunities.
  • The activity must focus on benefiting people from places included in the bottom 20 per cent of the Active People survey, as detailed in the guidance, over an average of two years, as identified by Arts Council England.
  • Organisations who will receive National portfolio funding from April 2012 are eligible to apply if the activity proposed is in addition to their National portfolio funded activity.
  • All applicants must have registered their intention to apply with their local office by 23 March to be eligible for round one. We do not need a proposal at this stage, just an indication of your intention to apply.
  • We cannot give grants to organisations that share out profits to members or shareholders, unless the activity applied for is a self-contained, financially ring-fenced arts project with a clear benefit to the public. No grant funds can contribute to an organisation's profits. Applicants should also ensure they comply with current regulations on state aid.
  • You must have a registered office in England or Wales.
  • The kinds of organisations which are eligible to apply include:
    • limited companies registered at Companies House
    • community interest companies (CIC) registered with the CIC regulator
    • charities or trusts registered with the Charity Commission
    • limited liability partnerships registered at Companies House
    • partnerships established under a Deed of Partnership
    • industrial and provident societies or community benefit societies subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)
    • royal charter companies
    • unincorporated associations and consortiums
    • statutory bodies - (but please see note on local authorities)
    • consortiums of arts and community organisations

Full eligibility criteria is available in the guidance notes for applicants, which are available to download in PDF and Word formats.