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Funding for arts projects

Browse through this guide to find out about the types of funding available for arts projects.

National Lottery funders

National Lottery Community Fund(link is external) provides funding for charities, voluntary organisations, and projects that improve the health, education and environment of communities.

Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants(link is external) is an open-application funding programme that funds arts activities which engage people in England or help artists and arts organisations carry out their work.

Heritage Lottery Fund(link is external) helps communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our heritage.

National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA)(link is external) runs various funding schemes to encourage UK talent and innovation in science, technology and art industries.

British Film Institute (BFI)(link is external) is the lead body for film in the UK. They distribute lottery funds to support filmmakers in the UK. Find out more on the BFI Film Fund website(link is external).

Published: 5 January 2021

Last updated: 30 January 2025