Microgrants for Schools
On this page you can learn about this London Borough of Culture funding opportunity for all non-fee-paying schools across the borough, including PRUs and SEND settings.
We would like to celebrate the arts, heritage, culture and creativity in schools across the Borough of Wandsworth and ensure all students and staff have access to enhanced creative opportunities throughout the year. Microgrants for schools have been made available as part of London Borough of Culture to support new or existing projects as part of curriculum learning and extra-curricular activities.
Application Criteria
Microgrant awards and timeframe
We are seeking applications from schools that would like to deliver cultural, arts and heritage projects or events. The microgrants are designed to help schools to scale-up their existing projects or develop entirely new projects. We are able to offer microgrants up to £750 (excluding VAT) to support projects taking place from April 2025 to March 2026.
Key Criteria
Microgrants will be awarded to schools for projects which demonstrate:
- A strong focus on arts, culture and heritage
- Delivery by a school whose strategic plans involve embedding arts, culture and heritage into learning and development
- Evidence that activity and project outcomes will take place during and as part of London Borough of Culture in Wandsworth
- Clear benefits to the school community, including pupils, staff and families, by celebrating creativity, arts and heritage in your school
Please note, the microgrants are available to non-fee-paying schools only.
Permissions for publicity
All school projects funded with a London Borough of Culture schools microgrant must credit Wandsworth Council and Welcome to Wandsworth London Borough of Culture on marketing, media and PR content. You can download the logo pack and read guidance for branding here.
Application deadline
School microgrants will be assessed on a rolling basis so you are welcome to apply any time within the LBOC year up to 1st February 2026. The following suggested guidelines are in place to ensure your application is reviewed in time for project delivery.
| Term for planned event/activity | Apply by |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Friday 25th April 2025 |
| Autumn 2025 | Friday 5th September 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Friday 9th January 2026 |
FAQs
Who can apply for a LBOC schools microgrant?
Any non-fee-paying school wishing to deliver a creative project during the period April 2025 – March 2026 can apply for an LBOC microgrant. Wandsworth Council is keen to support all schools (primary, secondary, sixth form colleges, SEND and PRU) to celebrate culture, heritage and the arts during LBOC, and will award microgrants to schools who can show in their application that their projects meet the LBOC key themes as listed above.
Do schools need to apply individually?
No, schools are welcome to work together and can apply for joint funding to make their projects even bigger.
How can a microgrant help my project?
Microgrant funding is designed to fund an activity or project that celebrates LBOC by providing e.g. visiting artists, equipment, refreshments, resources etc. This could be used to enhance an existing activity or create a new one.
What kinds of activities can be funded?
We are looking to celebrate arts, culture and creativity in schools across the borough. This could include e.g. a performance, an exhibition, workshops or a cultural celebration event.
Can the microgrant fund something we are already planning to do?
Yes, as long as the activity is badged as part of London Borough of Culture and celebrates culture and creativity in your school. Guidance on this will be available.
How many pupils does my project need to involve?
While there is no minimum, we encourage LBOC activity to reach as many people as possible and will therefore prioritise projects that include more of the school community. If you have a specific reason to work with a small group, please make this clear in your application.
I’m not sure whether my idea is fundable – is there advice available?
Yes, there will be an information and advice session on Thursday 20th March, 16:30-17:15 on Microsoft Teams. SIGN UP HERE
If you are unable to attend or still have questions, please email creativewandsworth@wandsworth.gov.uk.
Can I apply for more than one grant?
Funding is limited, so there is a maximum of one grant per school.
Is there help available to find a creative person to work with my school?
There are lots of amazing creative practitioners who work in schools. If you need some guidance, we’ll be happy to help.
Who will assess my application?
Applications will be assessed by staff in the London Borough of Culture team and Wandsworth Council.
When will I hear if I’ve been successful?
Applications will be reviewed fortnightly, on a rolling basis. If you have a strict deadline for your project, please make this clear in your application.
