GRANTS

We support a wide variety of visual arts projects, including but not limited to exhibitions, artist commissions, public collection enhancement, collection care, artists’ residencies and educational projects. If you have a particular project in mind or are unsure whether we can fund a specific area of your project, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are always happy to explore new ideas and answer any questions you may have.

We allocate funding once a year through our Annual Grants programme, and we are unable to approve grant applications at any other time of year. Our 2026 Annual Grants support visual arts projects delivered in the UK between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2028. It is a requirement that all exhibitions and projects supported by The Ampersand Foundation should be free to the public at least one whole day per week.

Please note that we do not support capital projects or core costs.

In addition to our Annual Grants programme, we actively foster relationships and develop projects to provide unsolicited Multi-Year Grants to institutions for initiatives that create a transformative impact on the organisations themselves, their public, and the towns they serve. We strive to be closely involved in the development of these projects, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss ideas with us.

Annual Grants 2026 - how to apply
Our 2026 Annual Grants will support visual arts projects that are happening in the UK between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2028. Applying will be a two-phase process:

Phase 1: Expression of Interest
In 2026 we will accept Expressions of Interest from 9 to 29 March (closing 5pm BST). Via our online form you will submit information that includes:

  • your organisation details

  • title and summary of the project you are seeking funding for (max. 200 words)

  • key project dates

  • the amount you are requesting

Phase 2: Full Application
A small number of applicants will then be invited to submit a full application with more detailed information about the project and a budget. We will invite full applications from 1 to 29 May 2026 (closing 5pm BST).

Annual Grants 2026 - timeline
9 March: Phase 1 expression of interest form opens for submission. 
29 March: Phase 1 expression of interest deadline (5pm BST).
1 May: Outcome of phase 1 will be communicated to applicants.
1 May: Phase 2 full applications will be invited for submission.
29 May: Phase 2 full applications deadline (5pm BST).
Outcome of application is communicated in July.

Please note: 

  • Our 2026 Annual Grants are to support projects that are happening between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2028

  • Annual Grants are distributed exclusively once per year during the trustees' meeting. We are unable to allocate funds outside of this scheduled process

  • We can only accept applications from UK registered charities, exempt charities, or charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)

  • We cannot accept applications from individuals

  • The project you are applying for must be realised and delivered in the UK

  • All exhibitions and projects supported by The Ampersand Foundation should be free to the public at least one whole day per week

  • We do not support capital projects or core costs

  • Organisations should have a safeguarding policy in place

Please look at our Frequently Asked Questions section before submitting your proposal.You can always get in touch with us if your question is not answered there.