Culture funding

Small Grants 2026-2027

Our small grants closed to applications on Friday 9 January 2026. 

Bank of Ideas 2026

Our Bank of Ideas scheme is now open.

Bank of Ideas invites creative ideas from individuals and community groups, with an opportunity to apply for funding up to £2,500 to bring a creative idea to life in your local area.

Decisions are made by the public at a Voting Day in City Hall, where all the creative ideas are brought together in a colourful marketplace event.

This year, ideas should align with the Fleadh Cheoil theme of 'Celebrating Together'. Fleadh Cheoil is the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, which comes to Belfast from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026, and projects will have the opportunity to be part of the celebrations.

The deadline for submissions is Monday 23 March 2026 at 5pm.

For more information and to apply, go to yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/bank-of-ideas-2026

For any questions or help to complete this form please you can contact the team either by email [email protected], by phone on 028 9032 0202 Ext 3535 or come along to one of our Bank of Ideas: idea generating sessions and a member of the team will be happy to help.

If you are d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodiverse and would like support with this form, contact University of Atypical: Phone: 028 9023 9450 or email: [email protected].

Cultural Multi-Annual Grants

Our Cultural Multi-Annual Grants scheme offers two funding strands. The funding is available for two or four years. Under this scheme, we offer two funding strands which are available for two or four years.

This scheme includes:

Festivals and events grants

For festivals and events:

• four-year (2024-2028)
• two-year (2024-2026)

Arts and heritage grants

For  arts and heritage organisations with a year-round programme of activity:

• two-year (2024-2026)
• four-year (2024-2028)

Previous grants awarded

We have kept a record of the previous grants that we have awarded.