Cultural Innovation Grants with No Fixed Funding Cap – City of Edinburgh Innovate Fund 2026–2028

The City of Edinburgh Council Innovate Fund 2026–2028 is offering revenue grant funding to local cultural and creative organisations developing innovative projects that strengthen Edinburgh's cultural sector.

The programme aims to improve organisational resilience, encourage creative programming and make cultural activities more accessible to communities across the city.

There is no recommended minimum or maximum grant amount. Applicants should request the funding needed to deliver their proposed activities.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 29 OCTOBER 2026!

Here's what you can expect:

• Grant funding with no fixed minimum or maximum award

• Support for innovative cultural and creative projects

• Funding for new approaches to arts programming

• Opportunities to improve access to cultural activities

• Support for collaboration between creative organisations

• Funding for digital innovation and audience engagement

• Support for organisational resilience and sustainability

• Eligible staffing, professional and project delivery costs

What projects can be funded?

Creative Programming & Innovation

Projects introducing new approaches to cultural activities, including:

• New artistic programmes and experiences

• Interdisciplinary creative collaborations

• Immersive and digital cultural experiences

• Community-created arts activities

• Innovative approaches to engaging audiences

Community Engagement & Accessibility

Projects making arts and culture more accessible, including:

• Cultural activities outside Edinburgh city centre

• Programmes engaging underrepresented communities

• Projects reducing barriers to cultural participation

• Inclusive public celebrations and installations

• Activities supporting community wellbeing

Digital Transformation

Initiatives using technology to strengthen cultural provision, such as:

• Digital audience engagement

• Innovative cultural experiences

• New digital tools

• Improved organisational processes

• Technology-enabled creative collaborations

Organisational Resilience

Projects strengthening the long-term sustainability of cultural organisations, including:

• Developing new income streams

• Improving governance

• Exploring alternative business models

• Strengthening workforce wellbeing

• Improving operational flexibility

Who can apply?

The programme is designed for local cultural organisations delivering projects that benefit Edinburgh's cultural sector.

Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed activities contribute to the Council's cultural priorities and Visitor Levy objectives.

Projects should support at least one of the following:

• Innovation in cultural programming

• Improved access to arts and culture

• Greater organisational resilience

• Stronger collaboration across the creative sector

• Edinburgh's reputation as a leading cultural destination

What cannot be funded?

The following are ineligible:

• Projects that are already underway

• Existing projects currently being delivered

• Projects currently or previously funded through the Council's Third Party Cultural Grant Funding

• General operating or core business costs

• Capital projects or building works

• Costs associated with recovering Edinburgh's Visitor Levy

Eligible costs

Funding may cover:

• Additional staffing required to deliver the project

• Direct project delivery costs

• Professional fees

• Project management and monitoring costs, subject to limits

Freelance creative practitioners must be paid appropriate industry rates.

Funded organisations must also meet the Council's Fair Work requirements, including payment of the real Living Wage.

How much funding is available?

Grant Amount: No recommended minimum or maximum

Applicants should request the amount required for their proposed activities.

Successful applicants may receive less than the amount requested.

For awards exceeding £10,000, funding is normally paid in two instalments:

• 70% following the signed funding agreement

• 30% following submission of an annual progress report

Application requirements

Applicants must complete the online application and provide supporting documents, including:

• Project budget

• Articles of Association

• Latest accounts and projected reserves

• Business plan

• Diversity and Inclusion Policy or Action Plan

• Fair Work Policy

• Environmental Policy

Projects must include measurable outcomes aligned with the programme's objectives.

Key dates

Applications Opened: 22 September 2026

Application Deadline: 29 October 2026, 11:59pm

Funding Decisions Expected: 17 December 2026

Project Start: From 18 December 2026

Project Completion: 31 March 2028, with possible extensions to 31 December 2028

Funding information

Grant Amount: No fixed minimum or maximum

Funding Type: Revenue project grants

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Target Audience: Local cultural and creative organisations

Application Status: OPEN – CLOSING SOON

APPLY NOW

Deadline: 29 October 2026 at 11:59pm