How to apply for funding

Online only

You must apply using our online system. We will not accept applications in hard copy or by email.

You will need to apply on the Arts Council’s online portal LINK using the email address and password with which you set up your account.

If you do not already have an account, you will be required to go through a simple process to set up an application account requiring an email address and a password (which you will choose yourself). You can then use this account to view your application for this or any other Arts Council funding programme to which you apply.

Online applications may be edited, saved and returned on the system up to the programme closing date.

Government Funding Database for NI based organisations

If you are a Northern Ireland based arts organisation applying for funding, you will need to register your organisation on the Government Funding Database (GFD) website prior to submitting an application to us. Please note that registration can take several days. It is your responsibility to ensure that your organisation’s account is set up and the appropriate documents uploaded by the time you make your application to us. If you are not registered on the GFD by the closing deadline of the relevant funding programme, your application will not be eligible.

Details of which documents you will need to upload onto the GFD will be detailed in the programme’s guidance notes.

For Annual Funding Applications

If you are an arts organisation applying for Annual Funding, you may need to register on the Government Funding Database (GFD) website (this applies to NI-based orgs only). Please note that registration can take several days so please be aware it may take time to ensure that your organisation’s account is correctly set up and the appropriate documents uploaded, by the time you make your application to us. If you are not registered on the GFD by the closing deadline of this programme, your application will not be eligible.

Your documents

You must submit all the documents and enclosures asked for at the same time as your application – Remember, all documents must be uploaded to your online application before it is submitted. Enclosures and documents needed are listed on the Attachments page within each online application and are detailed in the guidance notes; do please read those guidance notes.

Leave Enough Time

Don’t forget to leave enough time to upload all your documents. Things can get busy around the application deadline, and there may be delays as the closing point approaches. Regardless of traffic to the website, the application system will shut down at the exact time publicised. If your completed application is not fully uploaded when the system closes, your application will not be accepted.

Application submitted

If you submit your application by the closing deadline, you will receive an automated email advising that your application has been successfully submitted to the system. If you do not receive this email, your application has not been submitted.