Application process for NPO extension funding delayed

Arts Council England (ACE) has delayed the opening of applications for the extension of its National Portfolio funding, saying it is still “finalising” its approach to the programme.

In January, ACE said arts and culture organisations making up the National Portfolio would be able to apply for an additional year of core funding to help them deal with “external challenges” the sector is facing.

The extension year will begin in less than 18 months – in April 2026. An Arts Council England spokesperson confirmed the delay in the application process and said current portfolio members “do not need to do anything for now”.

“We are currently finalising our approach to the extension, which we aim to do in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.

“This means the process will now launch later than initially planned.

“We would like to reiterate that the application process for the extension will be streamlined and straightforward. Funded organisations do not need to do anything for now, and we will share further details soon.”

ACE has also stressed that the delay will not impact ongoing planning from 2027 onwards.

News of the delay comes ahead of the Labour government’s first budget, which will be presented on Wednesday, 30 October.

Writing last month, ACE chief executive Darren Henley said that while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the budget will be “painful”, the public funder would be doing “everything in its power” to emphasise the benefits of investing in artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries.

Cultural leaders have previously raised concerns that extending the portfolio by a year would result in “standstill” funding for their organisations, while those hoping to join the portfolio in 2026 will have to wait another year for their opportunity.