Year of Culture Grants

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ROUND 1 APPLICATIONS OPEN MON 19th OCTOBER 2026. DEADLINE: 11:59PM, SUN 22nd NOVEMBER 2026

Community organisations and voluntary groups across Hertsmere are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £500 to help deliver local events and activities during Hertsmere’s Year of Culture 2027.

The funding will support projects, events and activities that celebrate creativity, bring people together and reflect the borough’s diverse cultural life throughout 2027.

Grants can be used as a one-off contribution towards revenue or capital costs, including equipment, specific projects, individual events or a programme of activities linked to the Year of Culture.

Hertsmere’s Year of Culture 2027 will be a chance to showcase the creativity, talent and community spirit that make the borough such a vibrant place. These grants will help local groups bring forward ideas that celebrate culture in all its forms and encourage residents to get involved throughout the year.

Funding rounds

Year of Culture Grants Monthly Breakdown Landscape. Rounds 1, 2, 3 and 4.

There will be four funding rounds, with each round linked to three themed months during 2027:

Round 1: January (Books & Reading), February (Charity & Gratitude) and March (Dance)

Round 2: April (Health & Wellbeing), May (Nature & the Outdoors) and June (Music)

Round 3: July (Fashion), August (Film & TV) and September (History & Heritage)

Round 4: October (Culture & Diversity), November (Theatre) and December (Food)

Any properly constituted group, club or organisation, which is based in, or operates for the benefit of, residents of Hertsmere. All organisations, groups or clubs must have a bank account in the organisation name that requires at least two signatories who are unrelated.
Businesses based in, or operates for the benefit of, residents of Hertsmere.

Priority will be given to organisations based in and around Hertsmere and delivering activities or services to the people of Hertsmere.

Events or programmes that relate to one of the twelve themed months of the Year of Culture Programme, such as:

Traditional Dancing
Pottery Making
Storytelling Sessions
Theatre Performances
Folk Music Concerts
Traditional cooking
Film/TV Festivals
Arts and Crafts Sessions
History talks or guided walks

This is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome applications from across the creative and cultural spectrum.

To ensure we have events throughout the year to celebrate the Year of Culture we ask that you choose a month that is relevant to you and your organisation. Please ensure you apply within the correct round of funding.

How do I apply?

Please read the Guidance Notes before completing the Application Form and then send your completed application form and supporting documentation via email wherever possible to grantapplications@hertsmere.gov.uk or hand-in a hard copy c/o Hannah Oliver, Policy and Partnerships at the Civic Offices.