Residents are set to benefit from a major cash boost to help launch dozens of community-led projects celebrating their heritage and culture with the launch of a new fund.
It might be bringing to life a hidden piece of local history, a creative idea bringing neighbours together or a project which helps people share their stories, their memories or their skills.
Heritage, art and community groups, civic societies, independent museums, social enterprises, charities and town and parish councils can all apply for the cash.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: “This isn’t about having experience or knowing the arts world – it’s about passion, community, and great ideas.
“Across the coming year, the programme will support dozens of community-led projects which will bring friends, neighbours and new faces together through creative activity and shared experiences.
“We want applications from people who want to celebrate the places they live in new and interesting ways – it’s open to everyone in Scunthorpe, Ashby, Barton, Brigg, across the Isle of Axholme and everywhere in between.”
Groups will be able to apply for funding to run local activities such as workshops, exhibitions, performances, festivals or storytelling events. Projects can involve people of all ages and backgrounds to bring communities together, build pride, or maybe uncover something new about where they live.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural), added: “This cash will help people support and celebrate their history and their heritage and we are putting it where it matters – in the hands of local people so they can make positive things happen in their own communities.
“This is about helping people do something exciting where they. It could be as simple as a local event, or a chance for people to learn something new and be part of something special.
“We are all really excited about what projects are going to come forward.”
The first round opened on 20 June 2025 and closes on 18 July 2025 at 5pm. More opportunities will follow.
Over the next year, funding of up to £10,000 per project will be available in four rounds – starting on this month – and comes as part of the Cultural Futures programme, which is funded by North Lincolnshire Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and designed to increase participation in arts, culture and heritage.
Find out more information, including the full criteria and how to apply for funding, on the Cultural Futures webpage or email culturalfutures@northlincs.gov.uk.
Note to editors
Cultural Futures is a three-year project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and North Lincolnshire Council. The project aims to increase arts, heritage and cultural activity across North Lincolnshire through providing grants, commissioning, sector support and marketing campaigns.
Cultural Futures project grants are to support arts and heritage projects taking place in North Lincolnshire. The grant aims to support individuals and groups who wish to work with arts and heritage to explore new ideas and approaches, and to develop projects for North Lincolnshire residents.
