SCS Small Business Grant
We are delighted to be able to offer small grants of up to £500 twice a year to Makers who are members of the Suffolk Craft Society (SCS).
Our Objective is to support and promote innovative projects that engage the community, promote the value and importance of contemporary crafts, enhance cultural diversity or progress the practice of the applicant.
The application deadlines for the 2026 grants is 31st May and 30th November.
Please read the following guidance for applicants before applying.
Projects that will be considered for funding:
Exhibitions, events, and publications showcasing contemporary applied arts
Educational workshops or training for Makers featuring business skills, career advancement, development of practice and interdisciplinary collaborations
Equipment and tools
Travel bursaries
Lovely to hear from our previous winner, Moira Goodall:
Earlier this year I was very pleased to be the recipient of the SCS Small Business Grant Scheme.
I’d had my eye on a wall mounted clay extruder for some time but the cost was putting me off. At around £500 it seemed a bit of a luxury and a very expensive bit of equipment for what is in effect not much more than just a large metal syringe that produces coils by pushing clay through a die. While a ‘nice to have’ tool for potters who hand build coil pots like myself, I knew that I could always continue to make coils by hand. However, it’s a very time consuming and arduous process and the constant repetitive motion was starting to affect my hands. Not only does an extruder do the job for you quickly, but the coils it makes are beautifully regular and consistent, no stretching or twisting. Just lean on the handle and a perfect coil extrudes! And I can swap the die any time to change the diameter or shape of the coil.
Thank you SCS. My production has increased accordingly, the quality of my coils improved and the wear and tear on my hands has been reduced.
If there is a bit of equipment that would greatly enhance your making, don’t hold back. I recommend that you apply for the small grant - there is nothing to lose. The process is simple. Just go to the SCS website and follow the link where you will find the form and details of projects that would be considered for funding. There are two opportunities each year.
Who can apply
The applicant for a grant must be a current full SCS member of at least 1 year’s standing (see SCS website for details on how to join) and for groups, where at least one member of the group is a current full SCS member of at least 1 year’s standing
Applicant groups may be Makers, collectives, curators or interdisciplinary partnerships
Applicants must have strong links with Suffolk or the Eastern region
Applicants should have a proven track record of discipline excellence and or community engagement
What we will not fund
Work not based in the applied arts
The purchase of artworks
Projects that have already started
Applications from makers or groups who have been supported by SCS in the same financial year
Funding Amounts
Grants of up to the value of £500 will be available, depending on the scale and impact of the proposed project. A discussion about your project may be necessary. Please email in the first instance to arrange a phone call if this is applicable.
Deadlines
Applications will be accepted every six months with specific deadlines announced at the beginning of each half year.
Deadline for the next round of applications is Saturday 31st May 2026 at midnight. Late applications will not be considered but may be carried forward to the next deadline.
Decisions
Applicants will be informed of the decision regarding their application within three weeks of the closing date.
Please note that SCS funds are limited and not all applications for grants will be successful. The Award Panel’s decision will be final, and no feedback can be given.
Process
1. Proposal Submission: Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal including objectives, target audience, budget, and timeline.
2. Award Panel: A panel of SCS committee members will review applications based on creativity, feasibility, and impact.
3. Match funding: At the discretion of the Award Panel, applicants may be required to match fund any award given by SCS and provide evidence of this.
4. Notification: Successful applicants will be notified within three weeks of the submission deadline.
5. Award Conditions: Successful applicants will be required to acknowledge the support of SCS in all publicity, marketing and promotional material relating to the project by featuring the SCS logo.
6. Reporting: Grantees must provide a final report detailing project outcomes, financial expenditure, and community feedback within three months of project completion.
To apply please complete the form and return to chair@suffolkcraftsociety.org before the deadline of Saturday 31st May 2026
GDPR - Your information will be kept on file by SCS but will not be shared with any other organisations.