I AM Fund Main Grants - OPENS 26.01.26

The I Am Fund is currently welcoming applications from Hull and East Riding charitable organisations that provide opportunities for children and young people (ages 5-25) to participate in performance arts.

We aim to support organisations which actively involve young people and children in their project development and deliverance, and who are dedicated to championing a next generation of creatives.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a Performance Arts Organisation OR provide evidence of partnership with a Performing Arts Organisation for their proposed project.
• Provide relevant safeguarding policies and procedures for working with young people
• Have spoken to the I AM Fund Engagement Officer about their project prior to applying

Project proposals must meet at least ONE of the following priority themes:

• Inspire creative expression
• Improve experience 
• Invest in local talent      

Project proposals should also demonstrate:

• A commitment to learning and development 
• A clear understanding of the project’s legacy 

Please download and read our grant guidance for further information. Word document applications and Large Print versions are available please contact grants@heysmilefoundation.org for these

Application Process: 

• Before applying, contact the I Am Fund Engagement Officer for an informal chat to discuss the eligibility of your project. Email grants@heysmilefoundation.org
• Once you have spoken to the Engagement Officer, search for funding opportunities and select I AM Fund Main Grants (September 2025)
• The I AM Fund welcomes applications in alternative formats including but not exclusive to video and/or audio. If you would like to submit an application in another language including British Sign Language, please contact the I Am Fund Engagement Officer who will arrange this with you.
• Once you have submitted your application you may be contacted by the I AM Fund Engagement Officer with further questions about your project.
• This is a rolling grants programme with two grant panel meetings per year in March and September. The next deadline is 9 March 2026
• The panel will meet mid March and offers will be made following this. 

If approved: a grant offer letter will be sent via email for an accountable person to sign. The completed document must be returned via email or post, before funding is released. 

If unsuccessful: you will be advised of the reason. We have listed some common reasons why a project might be unsuccessful below. 

At their discretion: the I AM Fund Committee may also invite groups to present their ideas.  

Project unsuccessful due to: 

• Not within grant policy and doesn't meet the funding priorities (please review our grant policy). 
• Equality and diversity issue observed. 
• Budgets and/or value for money not clear. 
• Poor planning and/or capacity issue observed. 
• Safeguarding concern. 
• Not clear what difference will be made. 
• Organisation finances. 
• Statutory overlap.