Running a community cinema can be costly, especially if you are starting from scratch. Here is our round-up of the current main sources of funding, plus other ways to generate revenue for your cinema.
BFI Film Audience Network
The BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN) is a major initiative developed by the BFI to enable film and events experts to work in partnership to boost film audiences across the UK, particularly in the areas of specialised and independent British film. The Network is currently made up of eight Hubs which offer support including funding schemes available to film exhibitors in their designated regions.
- Film Hub Scotland
- Film Hub Northern Ireland
- Film Hub Wales
- Film Hub North
- Film Hub Midlands
- Film Hub South West
- Film Hub South East (a project of the ICO)
- Film London
Cinema For All
Cinema For All currently has three funding pots: Launch, a £300 bursary and coaching scheme supporting new groups; Platform, which offers bursaries of £1000 to support projects delivered by existing community cinemas; and Glow, a £200 bursary and coaching scheme to help top up the skills and knowledge of existing community cinemas. Read more.
Local authorities
Your local authority may have funds available to organisations or projects delivering community engagement and/or cultural benefits. Enter your postcode on this search page on GOV.UK or contact your local authority directly to find out more. Your local authority may also be able to advise you on other sources of funding in your area.
The National Lottery
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes over £600m a year to communities across the UK, raised by players of The National Lottery. Organisations can apply to two separate funds, for amounts of £300 to £10,000 (National Lottery Awards for All) and over £10,000.
The National Lottery also runs the Heritage Fund to support projects seeking to highlight UK heritage, such as those involving screenings of regional or national archive film.
Arts Councils
Arts Councils across the UK and Ireland invest National Lottery money in the arts and culture of Great Britain. Their awards are usually between £5,000 and £25,000. See the Arts Council website for your region for more details:
In Ireland, Arts Council Ireland is the equivalent funder, awarding funds made available by the Irish government.
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is one of the largest independent foundations providing grants in the UK, with approximately 75% of its Arts & Heritage grants budget going to the arts and 25% to heritage projects.
Garfield Weston Foundation
The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded, charitable grant-making foundation. It supports a wide range of causes across the UK, including arts and community projects, by donating over £70 million annually.
Crowdfunding
Use a free online service like SpaceHive (a funding platform for ideas that bring local places to life), Crowdfunder, GoFundMe or Kickstarter to raise funds for your cinema by collecting donations directly from the people it will benefit. Crowdfunding can be a great way to involve your audience from the beginning of your venture.
Local sponsors, partnerships and further advice
Consider the possibilities of working with local partners. Local businesses might be willing to sponsor your cinema or donate goods in-kind that you can sell at your events (e.g. cakes, drinks or other refreshments) in exchange for free advertising in your programme or tickets to your screenings.
Similarly, local civic organisations (e.g. a local Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce in your area) may be happy to contribute to your costs in return for free or discounted tickets, or for your cinema running a special screening for them.
In general, try to think creatively about all the possibilities local to you. Think about who might be interested in an association with your cinema and approach them about potential funding opportunities. Remember that working with your local community to put on a fundraising event in aid of your cinema will not only generate funds but also greater awareness of your venue, which may lead to increased audiences and willing volunteers.
- Locality is a national network supporting community organisations to be strong and successful and may be able to offer you helpful advice.
- Cinema For All – the national support organisation for UK film societies and community cinemas – has an array of helpful resources on their website, including advice on modes of financial operation.