Children & Young People Culture Fund

Children & Young People Culture Fund
Imagine. Create. Inspire.

About the Fund

East Suffolk Council (ESC) is committed to supporting projects that inspire creativity and cultural engagement among children and young people.

This fund aims to increase access to cultural experiences, foster creative skills, improve health and wellbeing and build pathways into creative careers for children and young people aligned with East Suffolk’s Cultural Strategy and Our Direction 2028.

East Suffolk Council’s 2023 – 2028 Culture Strategy, developed in partnership with stakeholders, is guiding our efforts to boost growth of the creative sector and support increased engagement in cultural events and activities for residents of East. Our Cultural Strategy shows how we can work with communities, and organisations to achieve this.

Purpose of the Fund

For the purpose of this Fund, children and young people refers to those aged between 0-24 years, inclusive.

  • To increase opportunities for children and young people to engage in cultural activities.
  • To support projects that encourage people from all socio-economic backgrounds to engage in cultural activity.
  • To support ideas that increase access and participation for pupils in receipt of free school meals.
  • To connect local creative professionals with children and young people.
  • To develop creative skills and creative career pathways for children and young people.

Who Can apply?

  • Voluntary, Community, Faith, or Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations
  • Schools
  • Town/Parish Councils
  • Registered Charities
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs)
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
  • Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee
  • Local branches of national organisations.

ESC encourages partnerships between schools, youth providers, other youth settings and creative professionals.

Organisations which are not eligible to apply are: Individuals, sole traders, private businesses, or freelancers.  

East Suffolk Council recognises that freelancers and private cultural businesses may choose to offer youth cultural activities as part of their community engagement. However, individual profit-making businesses are not eligible to apply for this fund. We strongly encourage businesses and freelancers to collaborate with partners such as VCFSE organisations, CICs, and educational establishments.

How much is available to apply for?

The minimum grant that can be applied for is £250, up to a maximum of £3000.

What can be funded?

  • Artist fees and creative professional costs
  • Materials and equipment for workshops
  • Venue hire
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Volunteer expenses
  • Reasonable project management costs
  • Refreshments, drinks and food for participants

How to apply

Before you apply, please ensure you have read the grant guidance which can be found here. 

Once you have read the guidance and are confident that you are eligible to apply, you can download the application form, either as a word document here, or as a PDF version here.

Once completed, Please email the form, along with any other relevant documents, to grants@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.  

The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 27th February 2026.

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