The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.
Grants awarded normally range from £100 to £1000, though larger sums will be considered. The Society has given small sums towards a wide range of activities in the city. In many cases, a Leeds Phil & Lit grant has enabled an applicant to demonstrate local interest in a project and has enhanced their chances of winning more substantial funding from other grant-awarding organisations. Grants usually go towards activities that have several benefits – to grant holders and to the locality, to wider society and/or the environment.
In 2025 the Society awarded 20 grants worth £13,975.
Are you aged 18 or over? Do you have an idea for a cultural or scientific project that would benefit people living in Leeds and its area by stimulating innovation, attracting interest from a diverse range of people or reaching out to different groups? If so, we’d welcome an application from you. This should set out clearly what your project would do, how much it would cost, how much money you are applying for, and where the other funds would come from.
The Grants Committee normally meets three times a year: January, May and September. The closing date for applications is the last day of the preceding month. You will be notified of the outcome of your application when the Grants Committee’s decision has been approved by Council. Every successful applicant presents a report to the Society on completion of their project showing how their grant has been used. Reports are normally published in the Society’s Annual Review.
Complete an online application form
The Grants Committee will review your application either in January, May or September
If successful, you will receive notification of the award and will be given a date when you will receive the payment
After you have received and used the funds, you will be required to submit a grant report form
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