Sheffield's culture makes the city extraordinary.

But many grassroots organisations operate with limited resources.

The Sheffield Arts and Culture Fund is building a lasting community fund that will provide support for local cultural organisations for generations to come.

Unlike a one-off appeal, every contribution helps grow a long-term source of support for local cultural organisations.

 

Help us build something lasting

DONATE

DONATE TODAY

The Fund will support projects which:

  • Invest in community arts and cultural activities

    Invest in community arts and cultural activities

    Arts and cultural activities that strengthen communities and bring people together.

  • Improve wellbeing

    Improve wellbeing

    Cultural activities that reduce isolation and improve mental and physical wellbeing.

  • Develop skills

    Develop skills

    Workshops and training that help develop skills in the creative sector.

  • Celebrate heritage and diversity

    Celebrate heritage and diversity

    Initiatives that explore, protect and celebrate Sheffield's history stories, traditions and diverse cultures.

  • Enhance pride in local identity and place

    Enhance pride in local identity and place

    Projects that reflect our city's diversity and enhance pride in local identity in place.

  • Enhance neighbourhoods and shared spaces

    Enhance neighbourhoods and shared spaces

    Creative projects that bring to life local spaces and places making Sheffield an even better place to live work and visit.

I would urge others to join this initiative. Creating a lasting source of funding must be the goal, so that we can invest even more in our local people.

Neil MacDonald OBE

Fund supporters 

  • Sheffield City Council logo
  • Culture Sheffield
  • Local philanthropists (arts and culture)

Learn more about our new Sheffield Arts and Culture Fund

FAQS

Supporting the Fund

Where will my donation go?
Donations will help grow the Sheffield Arts and Culture Fund, enabling grants to be awarded to grassroots organisations and community projects that create positive cultural and social impact.

Can I make a small donation?
Yes. Every donation, large or small, helps build the fund and contributes towards supporting local creativity and community connection.

Can businesses support the fund?
Yes. Businesses can become funding partners and help invest in Sheffield’s cultural future while demonstrating their commitment to the communities they work in.

Can I make a larger gift?
Yes. We welcome conversations with individuals, families and philanthropists who want to make a lasting contribution to Sheffield’s cultural life.

Can I leave a gift to the fund in my Will?
Yes. Legacy gifts can help ensure future generations continue to benefit from arts and cultural opportunities across Sheffield.

Can my donation support a specific project or organisation?
The fund is designed to support a wide range of grassroots cultural activity. If you would like to discuss a specific area of interest, please contact the SYCF team.

I’m interested in supporting the fund. Who should I contact?
We would love to hear from individuals, businesses and organisations interested in helping grow the Sheffield Arts and Culture Fund. Please contact Michelle Dickinson on the details below.

Applying for Funding

Who will be able to apply for funding?
The fund will support grassroots organisations, community groups and small arts and cultural organisations working across Sheffield.

When will applications open?
Grant applications are expected to open later this year. Details, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, will be shared once the fund launches.

How much funding will organisations be able to apply for?
Funding amounts and grant criteria will be confirmed when the programme opens.

Will individuals be able to apply?
The fund is intended to support community groups, charities and grassroots organisations. Full eligibility details will be published when applications open.

Do applicants need to be an arts organisation?
The fund will support projects where arts, culture or creativity help strengthen communities, improve wellbeing or create opportunities for local people.

How can I find out when grants open?
Follow South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation for updates on our social media channels, or sign up for news and announcements. Or, for immediate queries, contact our Grants Manager Jess O'Neill on JOneill@sycf.org.uk

Meet Michelle

Michelle leads strategic partnerships to connect giving with community need across the region. Since joining in 2019, she has played a key role in major funding initiatives, including flood appeals and cost-of-living support, helping to raise over £2.5 million for South Yorkshire communities.
Her working days are Monday to Friday.

Michelle Dickinson

Deputy CEO and Head of Partnerships and Programmes

0114 261 5144

mdickinson@sycf.org.uk

Michelle Dickinson