Grant News
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is inviting applications from public, private, and non-profit organisations to deliver an updated UK-wide creative careers service for young people aged 11 to 24.
The Creative Careers Service Grants Programme builds on the existing Discover! Creative Careers initiative. It will support the development and delivery of a national service over a three-year period.
The programme aims to:
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Increase young people’s understanding of career pathways and opportunities in the creative industries, particularly for those aged 11–18 and young people aged 16–24 who are seeking work.
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Improve awareness of creative career pathways among those who influence young people’s choices, including teachers, parents, careers advisers, and work coaches.
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Encourage greater investment and engagement from the creative sector in developing future talent.
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Provide opportunities for young people to interact directly with the creative industries, such as through work experience or industry encounters.
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Increase regional and demographic diversity within the entry-level creative workforce.
A total of £7 million is available over three years (2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29). The Government expects a further £2 million in match funding, which may be provided in cash or in kind. Funding can be used to cover staff costs, travel and subsistence, communications and marketing, delivery costs, and administration.
Organisations may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
The deadline for applications is 16 February 2026.
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