Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the money come from?
The Ian Potter Cultural Trust receives all of its funding from The Ian Potter Foundation.
What is the difference between the Cultural Trust and the Foundation?
The Ian Potter Cultural Trust:
- Makes grants to individuals
- Only makes grants for projects in cultural and arts fields
- Makes grants only to organisations that have eligible tax status
- Makes grants in the areas of arts, community wellbeing, education, environment & conservation, healthy communities, medical research and science.
How are the Trust's funding decisions made?
Every application is reviewed by an expert specialist consultant. A recommendation is made by a specialist consultant. A recommendation is then put forward to the Trustees for consideration. This process is overseen by the Trust's Program Manager.
How long will it be before I have an outcome?
Applicants are advised of the outcome of their application approximately three and a half months after the closing date.
What are my chances of success?
Demand for Cultural Trust grants is high. About 40 - 50% of applications are successful in each round.
Will the Trust fund the full cost of the project?
The Trust requires the applicant to contribute a reasonable amount themselves and encourages applicants to seek additional funding from other sources. Please see the Useful Links section of this website.
Can I re-apply in future if I’m unsuccessful this time?
Yes, but only if you are seeking money for a different project.
Can I apply again if I’ve already had a grant from the Trust?
Yes, but the Trust usually only considers further applications if previous grants have been fully acquitted.
Should I discuss my application with someone from the Trust?
If you have questions that are not answered on this website the Program Manager is happy to speak to you.
Once my application is submitted, what contact can I expect from the Trust?
The receipt of your application will be acknowledged by email within seven working days of the Trust receiving it. During assessment, either the Program Manager or one of our specialist consultants may contact you to request further information or clarification.
How do I know if the Trust would consider my request?
The receipt of your application will be acknowledged and providing you have read this information and your project meets our guidelines, you can be confident that your application will be considered.
Can I also apply to other foundations or trusts that might be interested in funding my project?
Yes. The Ian Potter Cultural Trust is happy to fund projects in partnership with other funders. Your project budget should include a breakdown of fundign sources and amounts and whether these are confirmed or not, and if not, the dates when confirmation is expected.