Artists' General Benevolent Institution

The institution funds core costs such as living expenses and other essential needs for professional visual artists facing hardship from accident, illness, or older age. It also supports children of professional visual artists who have lost the support of one or both parents due to illness, death, or exceptional circumstances. Grants are available to individuals living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Support typically lasts one year, with the possibility of longer-term help depending on circumstances.

Professional visual artists based in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland who cannot work or earn due to accident, illness, injury, or older age are eligible to apply. The institution also accepts applications on behalf of the children of professional visual artists who have lost parental support. Applicants should have earned most of their income from visual arts as a career. The institution funds individuals only, not organisations or groups, and welcomes unsolicited enquiries.

The institution does not fund projects, creative development, studio moves, exhibition costs, equipment, training, research, events, transport, feasibility studies, legal fees, private health care, residency costs, loss of earnings due to decline in sales, capital works, or emergency relief. Mature students and organisational or educational activities are also excluded.

Grants are awarded confidentially and are tailored to individual needs, focusing on core costs such as living expenses rather than project or activity-based funding. Support is typically provided on a one-year basis, with potential for renewal depending on circumstances. The institution welcomes unsolicited approaches and works directly with individual applicants, offering discreet and compassionate support.