Cultural Celebrations Fund
This fund will support outdoor events which promote community cohesion and support thriving neighbourhoods.
After you've applied
Scoring
Eligible applications are reviewed and scored by a diverse panel with input from:
- residents
- the community
- our events team
The maximum score for each question is 5 points. Scores for some questions count double. If an applicant scores a ‘5’ for those questions, they receive 10 points.
| Score | Question |
| 0 – No response / not applicable | The question is not addressed, or response is irrelevant/ incomprehensible |
| 1 – Poor |
The question is barely addressed. Very weak or no alignment with grant priorities. No meaningful evidence or examples. Very unclear, poorly written or disorganised. Major weaknesses that make the proposal unconvincing. |
|
2 – Weak
|
Addresses the question only superficially or incompletely. Weak alignment with grant priorities. Minimal evidence or examples provided. Lacks clarity, organisation, or persuasiveness. Significant weaknesses that reduce feasibility or impact. |
|
3 – Satisfactory
|
Addresses the question but with limited detail or depth. Partial alignment with grant priorities. Provides some evidence or examples, but vague or underdeveloped. May lack clarity, organisation, or persuasiveness. Moderate weaknesses present. |
|
4 – Very good
|
Addresses all major aspects of the question clearly. Good alignment with grant priorities. Provides relevant examples or evidence, though may lack some depth. Well-organised and persuasive overall. Minor weaknesses that do not undermine the proposal. |
|
5 – Excellent
|
Fully addresses all parts of the question with depth and clarity. Strong alignment with grant priorities and goals. Provides specific, well-supported examples or evidence. Highly compelling, innovative, and demonstrates strong potential for impact. Minimal to no weaknesses. |
The maximum score for a small grant application is 30 points. The maximum score for a large application is 60 points.
Large and small grant applications will be ranked separately.
Follow-up questions
Following the initial round of scoring, the panel can ask questions to applicants if they need more information. These questions might be shared by email or via a meeting on Teams with the applicant.
Panel meeting to confirm grant award recommendations
The panel will meet to decide which projects will receive the award.
If you are successful
Support
You will need to follow our guidance to plan your event.
We will work with you and provide ongoing support. This will include:
- guidance on our event management process and funding terms and conditions
- monitoring
- linking your project with broader council or borough initiatives
- training opportunities
- chances to connect with other grant recipients
Payments
You will be paid by BACS to your nominated bank account. Funds will be paid in 2 parts:
- 80% when you accept the funding offer and sign the funding agreement
- 20% when you complete the event and submit your event evaluation report
Evaluation report
You'll need to submit an evaluation report within 2 months of the event taking place. This needs to summarise your event's:
- achievements
- expenditure
- learnings
- impacts
It should refer to the outcomes listed in your application.
If you are not successful
Where possible we will give feedback on your application if you ask for it.
There is not an appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.
Unless you tell us otherwise, we will keep your contact details to tell you about future event funding opportunities. We will only use your details for this purpose and we will never share your details with anyone else.