Arts Council England: NPO 2027 Timeline and Eligibility

Arts Council England (ACE) next National Portfolio investment programme will launch in Spring 2025. Advanced sight of timeline and eligibility criteria, along with an update on the next Elevate programme.

Early information

Advanced sight of the timeline and eligibility criteria for the programme along with an update on THE next Elevate programme. 

Timeline

The following timeline sets out all the key dates for the National Portfolio 2027 onwards investment process. 

2024

5 December 2024: Timeline and Eligibility

Publishing a high level timeline and applicant eligibility

2025

By the end of March 2025: Programme launch

ACE will share information about the aims for this investment programme

Week of 28 April 2025: Applicant guidance

ACE will publish detailed guidance for applicants, and the duration of the portfolio 

2 June 2025 – 31 July 2025: Application window

Organisations can submit applications in this period

2026

Week of 23 March 2026: Decisions shared

ACE will let applicants know our decision, giving all applicants one year’s notice before the new portfolio commences in April 2027

From April 2026: Funding agreement negotiations

Funding agreement negotiations will take place between the Arts Council and individual organisations offered funding

2027

1 April 2027: New National Portfolio commences

The new National Portfolio will run from this date

Please note, this timeline is subject to change - if that happens, ACE will update this page and contact prospective applicants. 

Eligibility criteria

Find out if your organisation is eligible to apply by clicking the link below. 

Take a look

Elevate programme

Our Elevate programme, which provides developmental support for diverse-led organisations, will run in tandem with the National Portfolio investment process for 2027 onwards. 

Take a look