Arts-based Learning Fund: Turn Creative Partnerships into Real Impact

Why This Fund Exists

Arts education in the UK has long suffered from a postcode lottery. While some children enjoy rich creative programmes, many - particularly those from low-income backgrounds - miss out entirely. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Arts‑based Learning Fund is designed to change that. It provides substantial, multi‑year grants to arts and cultural organisations that work with state‑funded schools to make high-quality arts learning a core part of every child’s education.

This isn’t just another arts grant. It’s a targeted investment in equity. The fund prioritises partnerships that focus on pupils experiencing systemic inequity - whether that’s due to poverty, disability, ethnicity, or other barriers - and that explore how arts‑based learning can address inclusion in the classroom and beyond.

What’s on Offer

• Grant size: £30,000 to £300,000
• Duration: Typically 1-3 years (exact period confirmed with Foundation)
• Status: Open - rolling applications (no fixed deadline)
• Geographic focus: UK-wide

Because applications are accepted on a rolling basis, there’s no need to rush. But that also means there’s no excuse to wait. You can apply as soon as your partnership is ready.

Who Can Apply?

Lead organisations must be:

• Arts or cultural organisations (charities, social enterprises, not‑for‑profits, Community Interest Companies)
• Based in the UK
• Able to produce at least one set of annual accounts

Who cannot lead?

• Schools (state or independent) cannot apply as lead partners
• Universities cannot apply as lead partners

However, both schools and universities can act as project partners. In fact, the fund requires a formal partnership with a state‑funded educational setting.

The Foundation makes clear that the partnership should be meaningful and reciprocal - not a token arrangement. They want to see genuine co‑delivery, shared decision‑making, and a plan that benefits pupils, teachers, and your organisation equally.

What the Fund Will - and Won’t - Support

In scope

• Partnership projects that embed arts‑based learning into the school day or extended curriculum
• Programmes that reach pupils facing systemic inequity (e.g., Pupil Premium children, SEND learners, recently arrived migrants)
• Work that tests how creative approaches can improve inclusion, engagement, or attainment
• Organisational development that strengthens your ability to work in education settings

Out of scope

• Projects where the arts are just a one‑off event or a short workshop with no sustained engagement
• Programmes that only serve already advantaged pupils
• Initiatives that replicate existing provision without adding new value or insight

Is Your Organisation Ready?

Before you start an application, ask yourself these five questions:

1. Do you have an existing relationship with a state school? The fund expects established or well‑scoped partnerships, not cold approaches. If you don’t yet have a school partner, consider reaching out to your local teaching school hub, Arts Council Bridge organisation, or a headteacher network.
2. Can you clearly articulate the inequity you’re addressing? Don’t just say “we help disadvantaged children.” Be specific: which groups are underserved in arts in your area? What data supports that? How will your project close the gap?
3. Is your project genuinely collaborative? The Foundation is looking for co‑creation, not a charity delivering a programme to a school. How are teachers and pupils involved in planning and delivery?
4. Do you have the financial infrastructure to manage £30k-£300k? You need to submit at least one set of accounts. If you’re a very new organisation, wait until you have a track record.
5. Can you evaluate and share learning? This is a learning fund - they want you to contribute to the wider knowledge base about arts‑based learning in schools. Be prepared to document your approach, challenges, and outcomes.

How to Apply

The application process is two‑stage:

1. Stage 1 - Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit a short online form explaining your partnership, the inequity you aim to address, and the proposed arts‑based learning activity. No need for detailed budgets yet.
2. Stage 2 - Full proposal: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a fuller application, including a budget, partnership agreement, and evaluation plan.

The Foundation says they aim to respond within 8-10 weeks of receiving a full application. Because there is no deadline, you can submit your EOI at any point.

Practical Tips for a Strong Application

• Start with the why. Connect your project to the fund’s core mission of equity. Use pupil-level data (e.g., free school meal eligibility, EHCP numbers, attendance rates) to make the case.
• Show artistic quality AND educational rigour. The best applications marry excellent creative practice with a clear understanding of the school curriculum and Ofsted expectations.
• Build in time for reflection. The fund values genuine learning. Build evaluation into your project plan from day one, not as an afterthought.
• Think long term. Even if your grant is for 12 months, show how the partnership could continue or grow beyond the funding period. The Foundation is interested in legacy.
• Get your school partner to co‑write the EOI. If they can speak in their own voice about why this matters, it will strengthen your application enormously.

Explore This Opportunity on GrantGunner

The Arts‑based Learning Fund is just one of hundreds of funding opportunities you can discover and apply for through GrantGunner. Our platform helps arts organisations, charities, and social enterprises find grants that match their mission - without endless scrolling.

Head to the opportunity page directly to read the full funder guidelines, check any updates to eligibility, and start your application: https://www.phf.org.uk/funds/arts-based-learning-fund/

Final Thoughts

If you run a UK arts organisation that has ever thought “If only we had the funding to work more deeply with local schools” - this is your moment. The Arts‑based Learning Fund offers meaningful, flexible money for organisations that are ready to partner with educators and put equity at the heart of their work.

It’s not just about getting a grant. It’s about joining a movement to ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to learn through the arts. Paul Hamlyn Foundation has a long track record of supporting bold, thoughtful work. If your project fits the brief, apply.

Opportunity details were sourced from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s official fund page and the Redcar Fund Seekers directory. Always verify current criteria before applying.