About Creative Lives

Creative Lives is a registered charity that was established in 1991. We champion community and volunteer-led creative activity, and work to improve opportunities for everyone to be creative.

We work with groups, organisations, policy-makers, funders and others to encourage creative participation, promote inclusivity, connect people and increase awareness of the links between creativity and wellbeing.

There are a number of ways in which we can help you fundraise for your group . . . Website

Visit www.creative-lives.org to explore our regularly updated ‘Funding opportunities’ section. Here you’ll find details of the latest grants available from funders who support creative activity, along with other fundraising initiatives. We also occasionally have our own ‘microgrants’ to distribute.

We also have a number of free information briefings to download, including ‘Applying to Trust Funds’, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’, ‘Attracting Business Sponsors’, ‘Crowdfunding for Creative Groups’ – and our most popular briefing, ‘How To Write a Successful Funding Application’.

Newsletter

On our homepage you’ll find a place to sign up to our monthly newsletter, which always includes recent funding opportunities, as well as lots of other information about creative participation and stories to inspire you!

Creative Lives Awards

Each year, we put out an open call for nominations in the Creative Lives Awards. This annual celebration recognises the hard work, innovation and creativity of community-based groups across the UK and Ireland. We choose winners from each nation and there is a ‘People’s Choice’ award voted for by the public.

Winners receive a cash prize amongst other things – and previous applicants have found that being shortlisted for and/or winning a Creative Lives Award has a positive impact on future funding applications. Find out more at www.creative-lives.org/awards

Creative Networks

Sharing skills, ideas and inspiration can often be a great way to raise and/or save money for your group. Our ‘Creative Network’ sessions bring like-minded people together online for meet-up sessions on a range of creative topics. Find out more at www.creative-lives.org/creativenetwork

Creativity Map

More members in your group can equal more subs and potentially bigger audiences at your events. Make sure people can find you by adding your group to our Creativity Map, which carries details of local groups across the UK and Ireland. www.creative-lives.org/creativity-map

Social Media

Let us help spread the word about your events, performances and achievements – and potentially increase your audience – by tagging us on social media @CreativeLivesCL or getting in touch via info@creative-lives.org with details of your event.