Arts Council of Northern Ireland Small Capital Grants Programme

📖 About the Programme

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) has designed the Small Capital Grants Programme to enable organizations to purchase equipment and/or carry out minor works to their premises. This initiative aims to:

• Upgrade equipment and facilities.
• Ensure organizations maintain a presence in the arts sector.
• Support creative spaces and ensure they are equipped to welcome staff, artists, and audiences.
• Enhance the delivery of arts across Northern Ireland.

Objectives of the Programme

The scheme aims to provide grants to:

• Maintain/improve the quality of artistic activities delivered.
• Improve accessibility to the arts.
• Enhance the environment for the arts sector.
• Broaden and enrich the audience/participants’ experience.

🗓 Key Dates

• Date Published: July 14, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 28, 2025
• Notification of Award: Anticipated October 2025
• Completion Deadline: March 31, 2026

🎁 Benefits of the Programme

What You Can Apply For

You can apply for equipment and/or minor works to adapt your venue or working practices. Examples include:

• New equipment/structures to enhance accessibility or delivery.
• Accessibility equipment and minor works.
• Creation of safe spaces.
• IT equipment to assist/improve arts delivery.
• Software (pre-loaded operating systems and packages only).
• Upgrading and maintaining existing systems.
• Transport.

Maximum Contributions for IT Equipment

• Tablet Computers: £500
• Laptops/PCs: £1,200

Contributions above these limits will only be made in exceptional circumstances with a strong rationale.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

• Organizations whose projects benefit individuals under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
• Non-arts organizations (e.g., community groups) if the equipment/works are clearly focused on the arts.
• Local authorities (low priority).
• Registered charities and other fully constituted organizations that cannot distribute a profit.
• Commercial organizations, if the equipment/works primarily benefit the public.
• Groups of organizations (consortia) working together on specific projects.

Who Cannot Apply?

• Individuals or sole traders.
• Broadcasters (excluding community service broadcasters).
• Central Government Departments.
• Bands seeking musical instruments (separate program available for this).
• Schools, colleges, and universities.
• Organizations in breach of previous ACNI grant terms.

What You Cannot Apply For

• Second-hand equipment without a warranty/guarantee.
• Equipment service costs.
• Subscription costs (e.g., broadband).
• Musical instruments, sheet music, or mobile phones.
• Consumables.

If you have questions about eligibility, contact the relevant art form officer before applying.

📝 Application Process

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted online. Hard copies or email submissions will not be accepted.
• Online applications can be edited, saved, and returned to until the closing date.
• All mandatory enclosures must be uploaded with the application. These are listed in the Guidance Notes and on the attachments page of the online application.

Important Notes

• The system will shut down at 12:00 PM (noon) on August 28, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• If your application is successfully submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email. If you do not receive this email, your application has not been submitted.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the application and enclosures are submitted on time.

🌟 Additional Information

• Sponsor Organization: Arts Council of Northern Ireland
• Opportunity Location: United Kingdom
• Eligible Locations: United Kingdom

🔗 Application Links

• View Details of ACNI Small Capital Grants Programme
• Apply for ACNI Small Capital Grants Programme

For further details, please refer to the official programme guidelines or contact the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

• Maintain / improve the quality of artistic activities delivered
• Improve the accessibility of the arts
• Improve the environment for the arts sector
• Enhance or broaden the audience/participants’ experience