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Grants available for children & young people in Hull & East Riding through performance arts.
Funding Opportunity · Open (September 2025)
I AM Fund Main Grants – Hull & East Riding
Grants of £250–£10,000 for projects that give children and young people (0–18) opportunities to take part in performance arts. Small, grassroots organisations are prioritised.
Quick facts
Grant size
£250–£10,000
Project length
Typically up to 12 months
Project start
Within 2 months of payment
Area
Hull & East Riding
Beneficiaries
Children & young people (0–18)
Programme lead
Audrey Mosey Fund (via HEY Smile Foundation)
Deadlines may be set via Beecan. If using a targeted process for a specific local need, invitations may be issued to a smaller number of organisations.
What we’re looking to fund
Your project must meet at least one of these themes:
- Inspire creative expression
- Improve experience
- Invest in local talent
And should also show:
- Commitment to learning & development
- A clear legacy (what remains after the grant ends)
Tip: We prioritise small, grassroots organisations over larger bodies with dedicated fundraising teams.
Who can apply
- Registered charities
- Constituted community & voluntary organisations
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Social enterprises that reinvest profits into social objectives
Your organisation must have:
- A committee/board of at least 3 unrelated people
- A written constitution or governing document
- A bank account in the organisation’s name with two unrelated signatories
Notes for CICs & social enterprises
- CICs may pay directors and (within limits) dividends from trading income, not grants.
- We may request information on director salaries and dividend policy during due diligence.
What we don’t fund
- Projects outside Hull & East Riding
- Applicants with overdue end-of-grant reports
- Local branches of national organisations unless locally managed and financially independent
- Activities that promote religion or political causes
- Retrospective funding (projects already started/completed)
- Organisations with over 12 months’ reserves
- General large appeals, sponsored/fundraising events, or one‑off events without lasting benefit
- Consultancy or professional bid‑writing fees
- Projects that duplicate an existing service
- Items removed from the area of benefit without prior consent
How to apply
- Submit an Expression of Interest via the Beecan grant management system.
- Speak with the Engagement Officer – we’ll discuss your project and fit with priorities.
- If suitable, you’ll be invited to submit a full application in Beecan (a presentation can be considered if that suits your organisation).
- Provide a clear, costed budget linked to direct project costs. Due diligence checks will be completed using your Beecan data and supporting documents; we may consult external partners.
- Applications are assessed against a template agreed by the Committee and Trustees. Final decisions rest with the Trustees.
Grants are typically for one year. If awarded, your project should start within two months of payment.
If you’re successful
- We’ll ask you to sign Terms & Conditions.
- Payment by BACS or cheque.
- Record the grant in your accounts as: “Smile Foundation; Audrey Mosey Fund”.
- Follow our PR & logo guidelines; we may request a mid‑project case study.
Notification: We aim to notify all applicants within 2 weeks of the panel meeting. Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback and signposting.
Monitoring & reporting
- A simple framework tracks spend, outcomes, and lessons learned.
- You’ll complete an end‑of‑grant evaluation aligned to agreed outcomes.
- Trustees may visit projects (target: at least 10% of projects per year).
- If a project under‑spends or isn’t progressing, unspent funds must be returned unless a revised budget/timeline is agreed in writing before the grant end.
Documents you’ll need
| Document | Why we ask for it |
|---|---|
| Governing document (constitution / Memorandum & Articles) | Shows how you’re governed (roles, meetings, dissolution clause). |
| Management committee / trustee list | Confirms at least 3 trustees/directors and whether any are related; identifies cheque signatories. |
| Latest annual accounts | Indicates your financial position (income, expenditure, liabilities). Size-appropriate (audited or income/expenditure). |
| Recent bank statement | Confirms an account in the organisation’s name; shows account name, sort code & number; checks for overdraft/high balances. |
| Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies | Required where working with children/young people or vulnerable adults. |
How decisions are made
- Applications are assessed by the Audrey Mosey Fund Committee (including two estate reps and a HEY Smile Trustee).
- HEY Smile Foundation provides independent admin support (no voting powers).
- Committee seeks consensus; if required, the Chair has casting vote. Trustee endorsement required for awards.
- Decisions are final. If an applicant withdraws after a decision, the Committee Chair may reallocate to another eligible applicant.
Contact
Questions before you apply? Get in touch with the I AM Fund Engagement Officer.
