One of the biggest challenges in delivering arts events and activities can be securing the funding to realise your vision, so Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has now launched a new 'Creative Communities Grant' scheme.

Creative Communities Grants

MBC has introduced the 'Creative Communities Grants' to support events and activities that encourage arts engagement and community cohesion in Maidstone. They are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Total fund available: £30,000 per annum

Grant range: £500 - £2,000

Who can apply: Individual artists and creatives, community groups and cultural organisations located in the borough of Maidstone.

There are four key priorities for the Creative Communities Grants:

• Increasing pride in our borough and its communities

• Increasing participation/engagement in arts and cultural activities; working with diverse audiences

• Supporting new and existing creative talent in the borough

• Promoting the benefits of arts and culture to our society, economy, health and wellbeing

Criteria: In order to be eligible for funding, there are a number of elements to your proposal we will take into consideration. These include, but are not limited to:

• Location – this funding is to support the recovery of Maidstone town centre so priority will be given to activities and events taking place here, although elements of a project may be delivered elsewhere

• Contribution to community pride/cohesion

• Number of participants/audience

• Diversity of participants/audience

• Health and wellbeing benefits for participants and/or audience

The current round of funding is now open. Apply for a grant

For the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, awards will be made every 4 months:

The current award opened on the 1st of May 2024 and Closes on the 30th June 2024: Award Date 14th August 2024

Next round opens on the 1st September 2024 closes on the 30th November 2024: Award Date : 18th December 2024