Portsmouth Creates, working in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, is excited to announce a new match funding opportunity to support a bold and diverse creative and cultural programme for the city’s landmark centenary celebrations in 2026.

This collaborative initiative will enable artists, creatives, producers and organisations to unlock significant external funding and deliver projects that contribute meaningfully to the city’s year-long celebration.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said,
“This partnership builds on previous successful match funding initiatives that have to date actively leveraged more than £500,000 into the city for cultural and creative organisations, with over 100 new jobs created in the sector. Working in partnership with Portsmouth Creates adds real value to this initiative as their commitment to working closely with applicants to secure funds is a crucial part of the city’s creative success.”

As part of this effort, Portsmouth City Council has allocated a limited match fund pot, to be administered by Portsmouth Creates. Building on previous successes, this fund is designed to support applicants in securing larger investment from several national funding bodies.

Match Funding Available

The total funding has been structured to suit a range of project sizes:

Match Fund Amount	Number of Pots	Eligible External Funding Value
£10,000	3 pots	Up to £100,000 (10% match)
£5,000	2 pots	Up to £50,000 (10% match)
£3,000	18 pots	Up to £30,000 (10% match)
£1,000	2 pots	Up to £10,000 (10% match)

Eligible Use of Funds

Match funding can be used to strengthen applications to national and sector-specific funding bodies, such as:

• Arts Council England
• National Lottery Funds
• British Film Institute (BFI)
• Heritage Lottery Fund
• Immersive UK

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following information to Portsmouth Creates:

• An overview of the project and its objectives
• Details of partner organisations involved
• A full budget breakdown showing secured match funds and support-in-kind
• A marketing and communications plan
• A clear community engagement and co-creation strategy
• An evaluation and impact measurement approach
• Legacy plans for post-2026 impact

Please email your application to projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk with the subject line: “2026 Match Funding Application”

Key Information

• Who can apply?
  Anyone. This is an open, inclusive and transparent opportunity.
• Support for Applicants
  Portsmouth Creates will work closely with applicants to refine proposals, ensuring they are strategic and impactful in alignment with funding body requirements.
• Funding Timeline
  The offer is valid for six months. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all pots are allocated.
• Funding Release
  Funds will be released upon receipt of an official award confirmation from the relevant external funding body.
• Unsuccessful Applications
  In the event of an unsuccessful bid, Portsmouth Creates will offer support in revising the application for resubmission, guided by funder feedback.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Portsmouth’s most ambitious cultural celebration so far!

For more information, please contact projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk