Department for Culture, Media & Sport

DCMS funds capital improvements for cultural venues such as theatres and museums, grassroots sports initiatives, creative skills development, heritage protection, tourism advancement, and social infrastructure for vulnerable communities. It supports community arts organisations, sports clubs, youth charities, and underrepresented groups with projects that foster local impact, civic engagement, economic resilience, and generational legacy. The department also prioritises creative skills development and heritage protection. All funding is focused on activities within England, covering both project and capital costs through its arm's-length bodies. The work supported includes a wide range of cultural and community-based activities that aim to enrich lives and strengthen communities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, primarily accredited museums, galleries, or established institutions based in England. Smaller grassroots groups may access funding through partnerships with larger organisations. No income thresholds apply, but rigorous governance and a clear public benefit are required. DCMS prioritises organisations that serve local communities, young people, and marginalised groups. There is no religious restriction, and the department welcomes applications from community groups and registered charities across England.

DCMS does not provide core or unrestricted funding for general operating costs. Support is limited to restricted project and capital costs. The department does not fund activities outside England, nor does it make grants directly to individuals. Additionally, unsolicited applications are not accepted directly; instead, applications are made via specific emailed forms for time-limited calls. The department does not support ongoing running costs or activities that lack a clear public benefit.

DCMS funds through its arm's-length bodies rather than making direct grants to applicants. Support is typically restricted to project or capital costs, with no provision for core or unrestricted expenses. The department also leads large-scale interventions, such as pandemic recovery packages, that emphasise durable, place-based outcomes. Funding is delivered as strategic investments, often in partnership with other organisations, and is focused on specific, time-limited calls for proposals.