Grants for up to £5,000 are available to small UK charitable arts organisations, galleries and individual artists that are finding it difficult to secure funding for new work and exhibitions.
The Elephant Trust was founded in 1975 by English surrealist painter Roland Penrose and American photographer and photojournalist, Lee Miller, with the aim of advancing public education in all aspects of the arts and, in particular, developing and improving the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the fine arts in the United Kingdom.
The Trust's goals are to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake new work and complete projects when constrained by a lack of funding. The Trust’s main objective is to support new work. It is particularly interested in supporting artists, art institutions and galleries that depart from the routine and present new, imaginative work or exhibitions.
Grants of up to £5,000 are usually available, although in most cases grants are for £2,000 with the occasional higher award. There is no specific requirement for matched funding. Priority is given to artists in the fine arts, as well as small organisations and galleries in the UK.
Further information about the Elephant Trust, its guidance and an application form is available on the Trust’s website.
The next grants round opens on Thursday 18 December 2025 with a deadline of midnight on Sunday 18 January 2026.
Applications must be submitted via the 'Apply now' tab on the Trust's website. The application form will be made available when the grants round opens on 18 December.