Making an Application

Making an application

Here is what you need to know about the application process before starting.

When to apply

There is one application round a year.
Applications open: 16th June
Closing date:      30th September
Applications received after 30th September will not be considered, nor will they be held over to the following year.

Eligibility to apply

Who can apply?

Photographers (established or new to the field, professional or amateur, freelance or employed) and artists working in the medium of photography are welcome to apply.

An application can be from an individual, or from an individual representing an informal partnership or group coming together for the project.  

The application must be from the person who will implement the project.

Who cannot apply?

Analogue project grants are for individuals. We do not accept applications from public bodies (including charities) or corporate organisations.

If you have previously had a grant from us, you must wait least 3 years from the year of the award before re-applying. So, for example, if you were awarded a grant in 2024, you must wait until 2028 to apply again.

You may only submit one application a year.

How much can you apply for?

You can apply for a grant of between £500 and £1,500.  We can fund up to 100% of costs, but normally expect our contribution to be matched either by other funding or in-kind contributions.

Costs you can and cannot include

You can include:

  • Equipment costs (e.g. cameras)

  • Materials costs (e.g. film, chemicals)

  • Processing costs (e.g. hire of dark room)

  • Production costs (e.g. printing paper, mount-cutting)

  • Costs of exhibiting (e.g. venue hire, frames).

This is not a definitive list. If you believe a cost should be eligible and it is not listed here, explain why in your submission, and enter it as ‘other’ in your budget.

 You cannot include:

  • Artist’s fees (your own and those of others) – however, you can show them in your budget as an in-kind contribution to demonstrate match-funding. 

The following costs are discretionary:

  • Travel costs – reasonable and necessary travel is normally acceptable

  • Subsistence costs – normally only food and refreshments, accommodation costs will only be covered in exceptional circumstances if you make a good argument for them.

What makes a good application?

Everything you want to tell us must be in the application form and not in the covering email or in any other correspondence. 

Use plain English: be clear and direct, use short sentences, avoid jargon, and explain any technical terms if you need to use them.  We want to understand what you are planning to do, not award you a qualification for application writing!

Make no assumptions about who is reading your application, especially if you have had a grant previously.

Tell us about any in-kind contributions and any funding you have been awarded from others, as that helps demonstrate value for money and commitment to the project.

If you include hyperlinks in your application, please make sure they work properly.

Explain the relevance of any images that you upload as part of your application.