Frequently Asked Questions

I’m ready to apply, what do I have to do next?

Contact us to book onto one of the Pre-Application Briefings. See below for details.

I’m interested in applying to the fund but my project isn’t ready yet. Will there be future opportunities?

Yes, we expect there will be further funding rounds. These will be announced on our facebook page so keep an eye on that.

What is our definition of the term “arts”?

We have a very broad definition of the word arts, including the visual arts, printmaking, ceramics, music, theatre, film, comedy and dance. If you are in doubt, please contact us.  If you are an organisation, your primary activity needs to be artistic or cultural.  We don’t anticipate funding non arts/cultural organisations.

Will you help pay for my existing activity/practice?

The fund isn’t intended to fund existing activities.  We fund projects to develop your practice or celebrate what you do, in some way. Please make sure you meet at least one of the current fund objectives which are to:

• support artist development

• encourage creative collaborations

• develop the leadership skills of artists & arts/cultural organisations

• help creativity flourish in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

I’m an individual, can I apply or are funds just for organisations?

We will fund organisations and individuals.  If you are an individual, let us know if you intend to work with an organisation or another individual.

We are a religious/political organisation doing arts or cultural activity, can we still apply?

We’re sorry but no, you cannot apply if your organisation is religious or political, or if your activity is primarily religious or political.

How much can I apply for?

We intend that most grants will be in the region of £500-£700; we will not add VAT to the amount you apply for so make sure you apply for the gross amount.  In exceptional situations, we might fund projects or activities for as much as £1000.The Lucy Phillips Arts Fund will never make an award of over £1500.

When do I need to get my application to you?

The deadline for applications is 31st December 2025 but please note that all applicants MUST attend a Pre-Application Briefing online before submitting an application. The Briefing dates and the deadline dates for registering are shown.

How do I book a space at a Pre-Application Briefing?

You should email LPAF panel member peter@peterleonepr.co.uk giving your name, email address and 1st and 2nd choice of dates. Please do not say “I can attend any of the dates”. We will confirm your booking by email.  Dates of briefings and deadlines for registering are below:

• Wednesday 19th November (7pm) register by Monday 17th November (midday)

• Thursday 4th December (7pm) register by Tuesday 2nd December (midday)

• Tuesday 16th December (7pm) register by Friday 12th December (midday)

When will I get a decision?

We will let you know the outcome of your application in February 2026. If you are successful, we will aim to get the funding into your account as quickly as possible.  The payment will be sent to you from Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.  We will pay 100% of the funding in one go, except in exceptional circumstances.

Are there any conditions of receiving funding?

We will ask everyone to display the fund logo on print, posters, websites, social media or other places where it might be appropriate to display funder logos. 

You will be responsible for paying any tax or appropriate legal accounting for the award.  If in doubt you should seek independent advice about the tax implications of you accepting an award from us.  We are unable to provide any advice about this.

You will be encouraged to send us photos or videos or other materials from the activity or project.  You can also ‘shout about’ the grant via social media and we will try and share what you post. 

Does the activity have to take place in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland?

The fund will only support activities or projects which take place in or benefit residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This can include the development of artists resident in the area which takes place elsewhere – for example if you want to attend a course or work in collaboration with someone or something based outside the area.

I live outside Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, can I still apply?

As long as the project or activity takes place in, or benefits Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland residents then yes, you can apply but priority will be given to people or organisations who are based in the area.

Are there any age limits for people who want to apply?

Yes.  You need to be 18 years age or older on 31st December 2025 to apply. The project or activity you are applying for also needs to be for or with people aged 18 or over.

Can students apply?

Yes. However, we will not support applications for projects that are part of any form of assessed studies.

I’m not a full-time artist, or our organisation is voluntary, can we still apply?

Yes.  We understand when artists have other income streams, or organisations are voluntary.

Is there a limit as to how many times I can apply?

If you are successful in receiving funding from us, we will usually not fund you again for two years.

May I submit more than one application?

We will only accept one application from each applicant each round and that application should be for just one project.

If I’m unsuccessful with my application, will you give feedback?

We are a small, voluntary panel with limited time and capacity so usually we won’t be able to give feedback. 

I’d like to make a donation towards the fund?  Can I still do that?

Yes, of course you can.  Thank you. You can donate here https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-lucy-phillips-arts-fund.

If you would like to organise a fundraising event to support the fund, you can donate the proceeds as well.  Please contact LPAFenquiries@gmail.com