Key Funding and Development Bodies
Access Funds provides the latest funding information from Central Government, National Lottery, devolved governing bodies, EU and quangos. Their website has a range of services to help you fundraise, including training courses and email services.
The advice–resources Funding Directory is designed to support learners and their advisors through the process of applying for educational funding.This fully searchable database provides quick access to over 2000 charitable and non–charitable funding schemes and providers around the UK.
Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from Government and the National Lottery.
The British Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) is the national agency for the development and support of the film society and community cinema movement in the UK. They offer a wide range of services and resources dedicated to the needs of community cinemas.
Business Link is a free business advice and support service, available online and through local advisors.
The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund is the unique charity of the UK film, cinema and commercial television industries, including all aspects of production, distribution and exhibition. The John Brabourne Awards help professionals to establish and improve their careers if they have been disadvantaged in some way, through set backs in their careers either by lack of funds or through accident or illness.
Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS). This government department aims to ensure that the needs of business and the economy are properly reflected in policy development.
Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
This government department aims to improve the quality of life for all through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries.
Department for Children, Schools and Families(DCSF)
UK government department with responsibility for children's services, families, schools, 14–19 education, and the Respect Taskforce.
Directgov is the website of the UK government providing information and online services for the public and it has information on extra financial help for adult learners.
The Directory of Social Change website provides information about fundrising, grants and trust–funding, as well as other resources for voluntary organisations.
European Social Fund (ESF)
The ESF was set up to improve employment opportunities in the European Union and so help raise standards of living. It aims to help people fulfil their potential by giving them better skills and better job prospects. ESF also equips the workforce with the skills needed by business in a competitive global economy.
Equity is the trade union that represents artists and performers in the entertainment industry and they have a list of charities and funds.
First Light funds and inspires film projects with five to 19–year–olds throughout the UK.
Grant Net is search site site provided by Grantfinder, the grants database and is free to use. It contains the most comprehensive and up–to–date database of grants, loans and other initiatives operating in the UK.
Ideas Tap. The Fund actively seeks to promote new and exciting ways of working between young people and organisations – driven by and for young people (16–25 years old)
LifeLong Learning has information about Career Development Loans and other information about adult learning and education. They also offer information about the Money to learn scheme
NESTA is the UK's National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts. This organisation uses the interest on a National Lottery endowment to pioneer ways of supporting and promoting talent, innovation and creativity in science, technology and the arts.NESTA invests in a diverse range of people and projects.
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) promote success within their region for individuals and businesses through funding, business support and investment, skills, learning and employment, and sustainable development.
Skills Funding Agency (SFA) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for adults in England. They took over from the Learning and Skills Councils on 31 March 2010.
The UK Film Council is the Government–backed lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad. They fund script development, film production, short films, film export and distribution, cinemas, film education, culture and archives, festivals and audience support schemes.
UK MEDIA Team helps to promote and administer the European Union's MEDIA Programme in the UK. This includes funding schemes, a calendar of upcoming MEDIA–supported training courses and promotion/networking events.
UK Screen Agencies bring together existing regional film bodies, commissions and media development agencies and are charged with building vibrant and sustainable media sectors accross the UK.
The Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA) is a Non–Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). It supports the delivery of education and training to young people in England. The YPLA champions young people by providing financial support to young learners, funding Academies for all their provision and supporting Local authorities in fulfilling their new duties for commissioning education and training for all 16–19 year old learners in England. The YPLA also funds and manages the performance of Academies and provides direct support for learners, in particular the Education Maintenance Allowance, for people aged between 16 and 19.