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As part of Arts Council England's £234.6 million Capital investment programme, arts and culture organisations can now apply for grants between £100,000 and £499,999 to improve their existing arts facilities. 

£20 million of National Lottery money has been budgeted for small capital grants between £100,000 and £499,999 to address the needs of organisations whose plans to improve their existing buildings and equipment do not involve large-scale work.

This is an expansion of our current programme which offers organisations the opportunity to apply for larger grants of £500,000 or more.

By investing in capital projects large and small, we hope to support the sector to become more resilient and sustainable, as outlined in our 10-year vision.

Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: 'The Arts Council understands that like any trade, artists and performers need the right tools and facilities to effectively deliver and develop their craft. And audiences need places where they can properly interact with the art or performance.

'Our Capital investment programme is a very practical way of helping to develop the arts infrastructure in this country so that organisations can flourish and continue to produce the excellent work that audiences want to see.'

How to apply for a small capital grant

There will be two funding rounds, with £12 million budgeted for 2012/13 and a further £8 million available in 2013/14.

We will prioritise applications from National portfolio-funded organisations, though organisations we do not currently fund are welcome to apply with prior written agreement. All applicants are advised to consult with their regional Arts Council office before applying.

The deadline to apply to the first round of funding is 10am, Tuesday 30 October 2012.

For further information about eligibility, the application process and how funding decisions will be made, please visit our Small capital grants pages.