Collaborate fund

We are seeking to support innovative projects that emphasize collaboration and cross-sector partnerships to enhance the long-term sustainability of Greater Manchester’s cultural, creative, and heritage industries. Successful proposals should align with the following criteria: 

• Sustainability Through Collaboration: Projects must demonstrate how working together—within the cultural sector—can create lasting benefits and resilience for the industry. 

• Interdisciplinary Impact: We encourage initiatives that bridge multiple thematic areas, showcasing how cultural, creative, or heritage projects can contribute to broader objectives across Greater Manchester, such as economic growth, social inclusion, or environmental sustainability. 

• Cross-Sector Partnerships: Proposals should bring together partners from outside the traditional culture, creative, and heritage sectors. These could include collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, creative technology companies, or other relevant industries to drive meaningful change in Greater Manchester. 

• Geographic Representation: Funded projects should involve partners—such as organisations, businesses, or freelancers—operating in more than one district within Greater Manchester. This ensures a wider impact and fosters regional connectivity. 
• Lead Applicant Requirements: Each project must be led by an applicant working within the culture, creative, or heritage sector. While formal consortia are not required, all participating partners should demonstrate a clear commitment to working together toward shared objectives. 

We aim to support projects that foster new ways of working, leverage collective expertise, and contribute to a stronger, more interconnected creative ecosystem in Greater Manchester. 

While we encourage innovative and collaborative proposals, certain types of projects will not be eligible for funding.  

These include: 

• Core Operational Costs or Ongoing Activities: Our funding is intended to support new initiatives rather than cover the day-to-day running costs of organisations or sustain existing projects. Applications should clearly outline how the proposed project is distinct from regular operations and demonstrate additional value beyond current activities. 
• Projects Without a Cultural, Creative, or Heritage Focus: All funded projects must prominently feature cultural, creative, or heritage-based activities. Proposals that do not align with these sectors or lack a meaningful connection to artistic, cultural, or historical engagement will not be considered. 
• Projects Located Outside Greater Manchester: To ensure a direct impact on the local creative and cultural ecosystem, all funded projects must be based within Greater Manchester. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how they will benefit communities, organisations, or individuals within the region. Projects taking place outside of Greater Manchester or without a strong local connection will not be eligible. 

Applicants should ensure their proposals align with these guidelines before applying to maximise their chances of receiving support.

Expressions of Interest.

Culture, creative and heritage organisations and individuals will be welcomed to submit EOIs from 24^th February 2025 until the deadline of 17^th March 2025.

The EOI form will ask you to respond to the following questions:

1. Lead Applicant Information 

1. Full name of the lead individual or organization 

1. Email address 

1. Phone number 

1. Location of the lead applicant (The lead applicant must be working within the culture, heritage, or creative sector.) 
2. Primary sector of lead applicant

1. Partner Information 

1. Names of partner individuals or organizations involved in the project 

1. Locations of all partners (Projects must include organizations, businesses, or freelancers from at least two different Greater Manchester districts. Please specify the districts your project represents.) 

1. Role of each partner: What expertise, resources, or contributions will they bring to the project? 

1. Collaboration Commitment 

1. How will all parties actively collaborate on this project? (We seek to fund initiatives that demonstrate how partnership working can enhance the long-term sustainability of the sector. While formal consortia are not required, all participating partners must be fully committed to working together.) 

1. Funding Level 

1. Please indicate the level of funding you are applying for: 

-Up to £25,000 

-Up to £50,000 

- Up to £100,000 

1. Project Theme 

1. Which thematic area(s) does your project address? (We are looking for projects that demonstrate how cross-sector collaboration can contribute to Greater Manchester’s broader strategic goals.) Please select all that apply: 

-Health & Wellbeing 

-Economy & Innovation 

-Education & Skills 

-Environment 

-Placemaking 

-Safe Spaces 

1. Project Impact 

1. What positive change will this collaboration bring to the cultural, creative, or heritage sector? 

1. Which areas within Greater Manchester will directly benefit from this project? 
2. Please explain how your project and project team will reflect and support diverse communities in Greater Manchester, with a focus on protected characteristics inc socio economic background

Full Applications.

Invitations for full applications will be open 24^th March 2025 until 18^th April 2025. All applicants must use the official application form via the Collaborate landing page, and this form serves as your opportunity to present your work, articulate your vision, and clearly explain how receiving this funding would support your goals and create impact.

There is also an option to submit a short video (maximum 4 minutes). If you choose this option, please email your submission as a URL link to a video-hosting platform such as YouTube or Vimeo to cultureteam@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk  All videos should answer EOI questions in the order they are presented above / on the form.

Important to Note: We do not accept video files as attachments (e.g., MP4 or other file formats). All video submissions must be accessible via an online link.

Please ensure that your application is complete and that all required information is provided before submission.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by 25^th April 2025.