The Foundation aims to benefit charitable causes in either the arts or learning:
- Arts – This strand is designed to improve the sustainability of the arts and support groups which work to achieve this. Generally, funding is for specific projects/activities that offer long-term benefit and sustainability.
- Learning – This strand is designed to support projects that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge such as through increased access to places of learning (eg museums and libraries) and which have a long-term strategic impact.
The majority of grants will be in the range of £10,000 to £50,000 for revenue projects, with some larger grants possible depending upon need and purpose.
Applicants requesting funding of £75,000 or more for a building project should fill in the enquiry form on the Foundation’s website in the first instance. The Foundation will only consider these twice a year.
Applications are accepted from UK based charities which have a core remit of the Arts or Learning. Applications are also accepted from UK based state schools.
Organisations and projects that provide direct benefits and services to the general public (rather than special interest groups) will be favoured. The Foundation will support projects/initiatives where applicants work in partnership on joint projects with other similar organisations. In such cases a lead organisation, to which any grant will be made, must be identified.
(NB Smaller arts or learning charities with a turnover under £150,000 per annum may be more suitable for consideration under the Foundation’s Small Grants Scheme.)
Charities must be able to demonstrate ongoing financial viability over the next 12 months.
Grants can be used towards:
- Covering core costs, aimed at those with no, or without significant, public funding.
- Project revenue costs.
- Essential equipment and digital services.
- Capital projects, including:
- Major infrastructure, services and equipment renewal projects.
- Projects/proposals that help reduce fixed or variable costs to promote efficiency savings, or which enable the generation of higher income, or additional revenue streams.
- Projects that promote environmental efficiency and reduce applicants’ carbon footprint or energy costs.
The Foundation supports projects under the following categories of interest:
Arts
Applications should make a strong artistic case for support in either the performing or visual arts. Funding is available to help sustain the arts and to support projects that particularly help to deliver artistic vision. It will look for value for money, long-term benefit and sustainability in projects that it supports. Typical areas of support include:
- Helping to make the arts more accessible by developing new and more diverse audiences.
- Encouraging new work and supporting young and emerging artists, skilled freelancers and independent practitioners.
- Projects that encourage sustainability by reducing overheads or which help generate additional revenue. This might include environmental improvements to save energy and lower carbon emissions where a cost benefit can be demonstrated.
Learning
Support is available for projects that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and learning and which have a long-term strategic impact.
Key areas for support are:
- Libraries, museums and archives.
- Special educational needs.
- Projects that encourage sustainability by reducing overheads or which help generate additional revenue. This might include environmental improvements to save energy and lower carbon emissions where a cost benefit can be demonstrated.
- Projects and activities which increase access and widen the diversity of attenders/visitors.
Applications can be made at any time for the Main Grants Programme.
January 2024 Update:
The Foyle Foundation will complete its grant giving programme in 2025:
- The Main Grants Scheme including capital requests for under £75,000 is closing on 31 January 2025.
- The Main Grants Scheme enquiries for capital requests over £75,000 is closing on 31 May 2025.
Applications can continue to be submitted at any time up to the final cut off date. Please also note that the Foundation can only consider applications for projects (and funding periods) which will be completed before the end of 2025.
Online application forms are available to complete on the Foundation’s website.
