We want creative and cultural organisations of all kinds to have the best chance to succeed and grow. Elevate is our programme designed to support diverse-led organisations to do just that, by developing and strengthening their resilience and governance.

This round of Elevate will run in a different way to previous rounds and is more closely linked to our National Portfolio Investment Programme 2027.

Read more here

What we mean by ‘diverse-led’ 

By diverse-led, we mean organisations where 51 per cent of their boards and senior management identify as:

• Black, Asian and ethnically diverse

• Disabled

• Female

• LGBTQIA+

• From a lower socio-economic background

Part 1: Developmental support 

Throughout 2025
Open to all diverse-led creative and cultural organisations

In early 2025, we’ll share more information about the first part of Elevate, which will include sessions on governance, finance, risk and business models.

The sessions will run throughout 2025 and will be open to any diverse-led creative and cultural organisation whether you’re thinking of applying to become a National Portfolio Organisation or not.

Part 2: Working with new joiners to the National Portfolio 

April 2026 – March 2027
For diverse-led organisations that are new joiners to the National Portfolio

The second part of Elevate will only be open to diverse-led organisations newly joining the National Portfolio for 2027 onwards. After being offered investment in the portfolio in March 2026, they will be able to apply for additional investment of up to £120,000 to continue their development as they prepare to join our National Portfolio in April 2027.

Part 3: Continued support 

 From April 2027

The third part of Elevate will continue to provide support for those diverse-led organisations once the National Portfolio commences, on 1 April 2027.
More information on this support will be published closer to the time.