Sheffield Arts & Culture Fund

South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation are delighted to launch this new fund on behalf of Culture Sheffield and Sheffield City Council for 2026-27.

This programme supports small and grassroots arts, culture and heritage organisations in Sheffield to strengthen the city's cultural infrastructure in line with the aims of Sheffield’s Culture Strategy.

Grants can support both organisational development and the delivery of cultural and heritage activity. The fund is designed to help organisations and creative practitioners build resilience, develop skills, test new ideas, reach new audiences and create opportunities for future growth.

We welcome applications from across all artforms and creative disciplines including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, festivals, crafts, digital arts, film and screen, creative health and combined arts. Applications are also welcome for heritage activity.

Applicants may also find the Sheffield Culture Hub helpful. The Hub brings together funding opportunities, sector news, training, events and resources for Sheffield's cultural and creative sector. Find out more here: The Sheffield Culture Hub.

How much can I apply for?

Grants of up to £5,000 per organisation are available. The programme hopes to fund up 15-20 groups in this round.

When can I apply?

Applications to this first round will open at 9am on Monday 2^nd November 2026 and close at 9am on Monday 4^th January 2027. Activities and expenditure should start no earlier than April 2027 for work lasting up to 12 months.

Who can apply?

This fund is open to not-for-profit groups based in Sheffield and for arts, culture and heritage projects and programmes that benefit the residents and communities of Sheffield.

What can I apply for?

This fund encourages grassroots culture and heritage organisations to test creative ideas that create opportunities for future growth.

Applications should meet one of the following fund outcomes:

• Stronger and more resilient organisations through improved planning, governance, financial sustainability, and organisational development
• More culture and heritage activity takes place in Sheffield, with diverse programmes, cultural experiences, events, and projects taking place
• Increased skills, knowledge, leadership development and career progression opportunities for staff, volunteers, trustees, artists, and creative practitioners, helping organisations to build their capacity and build skills and confidence
• Greater organisational capacity to develop, sustain and grow arts, culture, and heritage activity for Sheffield residents and communities
• More connected and inclusive cultural activity through partnership working, collaboration and engagement with diverse groups
• Pathways to future investment with organisations developing the experience, evidence or track record needed to access larger funding opportunities
• Supporting organisations to strengthen inclusive leadership, governance, and decision-making

Access and Support

We can arrange to provide application forms to you in another format if required. Please contact us to discuss any access needs that you have.

Please ensure that you read the guidance notes in full before making an application, and refer to SYCF's due diligence policy for further information if required.