Frequently asked questions
What do you define as an 'arts or cultural organisation'?
We will accept applications from organisations working in the following areas:
- Arts, including performing arts such as music, dance, circus and theatre
- Arts, including visual arts and any type of artistic creation
- Literature and spoken word, poetry
- Crafts (limited to artists/makers working by hand within a craft medium)
- Heritage, museums and galleries
- Libraries and archives
- Cultural education (excluding statutory education, further education, or higher education)
- Combined arts
- Community organisations providing arts and creative activities
- Digital art and film/video art
- Photography
- Independent publishers
- Arts and/or artist management, producing
What do you mean by creative industries?
We have adopted the DCMS definition of creative industries sub-sectors which include:
- Advertising and marketing
- Architecture
- Crafts
- Design and designer fashion
- Film, TV, radio and photography
- Museums, galleries and libraries
- Music, performing and visual arts
- Publishing
- IT, software and computer services (includes video games)
What is a constituted organisation?
A constituted organisation is a formally registered organisation with its own written constitution. This may take a number of different not-for profit forms, including charity, company limited by guarantee or a CIC (Community Interest Company). We will also accept applications from registered community associations with a clearly defined Memorandum of Articles.
Why can’t individuals or freelancers apply?
This is not allowed within the grant guidance we have received from WMCA. Individuals/freelancers may find guidance and support for business development through the Council’s Business Investment team.
Why do you need our financial information?
As a public authority we need to exercise due diligence in the use of public monies. This will include checks on the eligibility of your organisation with Companies House or the Charity Commission, and inspection of your financial information.
Please note that personal bank statements will not be acceptable, please do not send them to us.
What are the Cultural Strategy Priorities
Coventry’s Cultural Strategy (2017 to 2027) has been refreshed with input from the cultural sector, freelancers, residents and the Coventry Culture Works Collective, to form The plan for Culture in Coventry: January 2026 to December 2027. These priorities outline what the city aims to achieve over the final 2 years of the strategy. Applicants should explain how their project will make a difference for Coventry and its residents by contributing to one or more of the following priorities:
- Economic Prosperity: Strengthening Coventry’s cultural and creative sectors to support freelancers and organisations, grow the local economy, attract talent and investment, and enhance culture and heritage as drivers of tourism.
- Health and Wellbeing: Using arts and culture to improve health outcomes, reduce isolation, support mental wellbeing and promote active lifestyles, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all communities.
- Environment and Social Justice: Supporting climate action through cultural activity that inspires behaviour change, promotes sustainability, and connects communities with Coventry’s green and heritage spaces.
- Lifelong Learning and Skills: Expanding access to arts, digital creativity and skills development for people of all ages, with clear pathways into creative careers and strong support for diverse and emerging talent.
- Cultural Engagement and Opportunity: Increasing participation in culture through community‑led activity, improving access to creative spaces, and celebrating Coventry’s diverse cultural identities, including global craft.
How will applications be assessed?
Application assessment will be based on:
- the eligibility of your organisation and your planned grant expenditure
- whether you have fully completed all required parts of the application and provided any additional information or documents requested
- your ability to deliver the project, including your governance, capacity, skills and experience – based on the detail you have provided
- the detail, quality and accuracy of your proposed budget and plans
- the amount requested in relation to the available budget
- if required, a balancing criterion based on geographical, demographic and cultural engagement data
Once initial eligibility and due diligence checks have been carried out on your organisation, an assessment panel will score applications to arrive at its preliminary decision. If further questions are required before a decision can be made, shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Preliminary decisions will be scrutinised by additional individuals not part of the assessment panel before final decisions are made.
What happens if I am successful in my application?
If successful, you will:
- receive a confirmation letter by email, followed by a grant agreement outlining terms and conditions
- be issued with a purchase order with which to invoice for your grant payment
How will the grant be paid?
We wish to provide the majority of the grant straight away to enable you to implement your plans with minimal financial risk. Grants will be paid in two instalments:
- 80% following acceptance of award
- 20% at end of delivery period following completion of funded activity and submission of your evaluation report
Please note that it may take up to 28 days from receipt of invoice until payments can be made. You will therefore need to consider how you will cash flow works. Remember, you need to have the grant agreement signed by both parties before you can start your project.
How long do I have to use the grant?
You will have up to 30 September 2027 from the date of payment to complete your funded activities. The exact timelines will be confirmed in your grant agreement.
Will I have to report on how the grant has been used?
An evaluation report will be required at the end of the delivery. Full details of evaluation requirements will be discussed with successful applicants. As a guide, this may include:
- a full budget breakdown showing how the grant was spent
- how the grant has delivered on intended outcomes - what difference it made to your organisation’s resilience
- the employment benefits from the project
- what benefits were delivered for Coventry residents
This is essential to receive the final 20% of your grant.
In addition, there will be informal check-ins during the delivery period to offer support, answer questions, and ensure your funded activity is progressing as planned.