Richmond Council invites not-for-profits and social enterprises to apply for funding to support small scale projects that help diversify cultural activity in the borough.

The Challenge and Innovation Fund aims to help deliver Culture Richmond, the borough’s 10-year cultural framework, through supporting creative and cultural projects that challenge and innovate the existing cultural landscape.

This funding round is particularly interested in supporting projects that do one or more of the following:

• engage underrepresented communities
• focus on young people
• test new ways of working.

It supports a wide range of projects – from directly creating and delivering creative and cultural activities for and with the local community, to providing longer-term support for organisational change, research and development, and sector support and engagement.

Applicants can apply for up to £5,000 for initiatives which relate to visual arts, theatre, dance, music, festivals, literature, film, digital projects, public realm activities, museums, or cultural activities in parks and sports.

Innovative ideas that help deliver Culture Richmond and engage the community in the cultural life of Richmond upon Thames are encouraged.

Priority will be given to local groups and organisations.

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 6 September 2026.

Decisions will be given in October 2026.

Projects must be initiated and all funding drawn down before March 2027.

For full details and guidance, visit the Challenge and Innovation Fund webpage here.