2026 National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (UK) – fundsforNGOs

The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme provides grants of £500 to £10,000 for arts projects that improve social connection, reduce isolation, and increase access to creative opportunities in rural communities across Northern Ireland. The programme supports charities, community organisations, local authorities, and arts groups delivering projects that promote inclusion, participation, equality, and wellbeing through the arts.

The funding supports projects taking place between 1 December 2026 and 30 November 2027 that use arts activities to strengthen rural communities and address challenges such as loneliness and social exclusion.

Overview of the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme

The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme supports arts-based projects that respond to the specific needs of rural communities.

The programme recognises that people living in rural areas may experience barriers to accessing arts activities, social opportunities, and community networks. Through funding creative projects, the programme aims to strengthen connections, encourage participation, and improve community wellbeing.

Supported projects should use arts activities as a tool to:

• Build stronger communities
• Reduce loneliness and isolation
• Improve inclusion and equality
• Increase participation in cultural activities
• Create opportunities for social interaction
• Support physical, mental, and social wellbeing

Why This Programme Matters

Rural communities often face challenges including geographic isolation, limited access to cultural activities, and reduced opportunities for social engagement.

Arts projects can help address these challenges by creating welcoming spaces where people can:

• Connect with others
• Share experiences
• Develop creative skills
• Participate in community activities
• Improve confidence and wellbeing

The programme supports the idea that arts participation can contribute to healthier, more inclusive, and more connected communities.

Programme Objectives

The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme focuses on several key priorities.

Reducing Isolation and Loneliness

Projects should help communities address loneliness by creating opportunities for people to meet, participate, and build relationships through arts activities.

Examples may include:

• Community arts workshops
• Creative social groups
• Intergenerational arts projects
• Local storytelling activities

Promoting Social Inclusion

The programme supports projects that encourage participation from people who may experience barriers to accessing arts opportunities.

Projects should promote:

• Equal access
• Community participation
• Diversity
• Inclusion of underrepresented groups

Improving Equality of Access to Arts

Funding supports projects that increase opportunities for all communities, including groups protected under Section 75 equality legislation.

Projects should help ensure that arts activities are accessible regardless of:

Supporting Community Wellbeing Through Arts

Arts participation can contribute to improved:

• Mental wellbeing
• Social connections
• Confidence
• Community belonging
• Quality of life

Projects should demonstrate how creative activities can positively influence participants’ wellbeing.

Funding Information

The programme provides:

• Minimum grant: £500
• Maximum grant: £10,000

Project duration:

Eligible project delivery period:

• 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027

Applicants should request funding that reflects the size, scope, and expected impact of their project.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to organisations that can provide evidence of a legal constitution.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Community organisations with a formal constitution
• Arts organisations
• Local authorities
• Formally constituted parent-teacher associations
• Groups of organisations working together on a specific project

Organisations must operate on a non-profit basis and demonstrate that they have appropriate structures to manage grant funding.

Location Eligibility

Projects must benefit rural communities in Northern Ireland.

Organisations may apply even if they are based outside Northern Ireland, including:

However, the proposed project activities must directly benefit people living in rural areas of Northern Ireland.

What Types of Projects Can Be Supported?

The programme supports arts projects that create meaningful community benefits.

Examples of suitable projects may include:

• Community theatre projects
• Music and performance activities
• Visual arts workshops
• Creative writing programmes
• Heritage and storytelling projects
• Arts activities for older people
• Youth arts initiatives
• Inclusive arts programmes for people with disabilities
• Community-led creative projects

Projects should demonstrate clear links between arts participation and community outcomes.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing an application.

Step 1: Develop a Community-Focused Project Idea

Applicants should identify:

• The rural community need being addressed
• The target participants
• The arts activity being delivered
• The expected community benefits

The strongest proposals clearly explain how the project responds to isolation, exclusion, or barriers to participation.

Step 2: Design the Project Plan

Applications should include details about:

• Project activities
• Timeline
• Delivery approach
• Participant involvement
• Expected outcomes
• Community engagement methods

Step 3: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Applicants should provide a clear budget showing:

• Project costs
• Amount requested
• Other funding sources, if applicable
• How funds will support project delivery

Step 4: Demonstrate Organisational Capacity

Applicants should show that they have:

• A legal constitution
• Appropriate governance arrangements
• Ability to manage funding responsibly
• Experience delivering community or arts activities

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants should ensure all required information is complete before submission and clearly explain the social impact of their project.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the rural community need
• Showing how participants will benefit
• Demonstrating inclusive approaches
• Involving communities in project design
• Providing realistic budgets and timelines
• Explaining long-term community impact

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Focusing only on the arts activity without explaining community benefits
• Not demonstrating rural community impact
• Providing unclear project outcomes
• Submitting incomplete organisational information
• Requesting funding without a clear budget breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme?

It is a funding programme supporting arts projects that improve social connection, inclusion, and access to creative opportunities in rural communities in Northern Ireland.

How much funding can organisations apply for?

Applicants can request grants from £500 up to £10,000.

Who can apply for the programme?

Eligible applicants include charities, not-for-profit organisations, arts organisations, local authorities, formally constituted community groups, parent-teacher associations, and project partnerships.

Can organisations outside Northern Ireland apply?

Yes. Organisations based elsewhere in the UK or Republic of Ireland can apply if their project benefits rural communities in Northern Ireland.

What types of activities are funded?

The programme supports arts activities that improve inclusion, participation, wellbeing, and community connection, including music, theatre, visual arts, storytelling, and creative workshops.

When must funded projects take place?

Projects must take place between 1 December 2026 and 30 November 2027.

What is the main purpose of the programme?

The programme aims to use arts participation to reduce loneliness, strengthen communities, improve equality of access, and support wellbeing in rural areas.

Conclusion

The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme provides important support for arts projects that create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive rural communities.

By funding creative activities that bring people together, reduce isolation, and improve access to arts opportunities, the programme helps communities use culture as a tool for social connection and positive change. Organisations delivering community-focused arts projects in rural Northern Ireland are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting local impact.