The Goldsmiths’ Centre Grants – Crafting our Future Together

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s mission is to work with individuals and organisations to protect and advance the skills and future of goldsmithing in the UK.

What kind of projects do we support?

We look to partner with and fund others who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and our passion to close our industry's skills gap. By working together, we want you to maximise the impact of your grant and create ripples of change. 

We invite you to submit proposals that help you or others to:

  • Empower marginalised groups and individuals: through the act of designing and making jewellery and/or silversmithing work.  
  • Collaborate with industry to share knowledge: and strengthen communal expertise and craft excellence.

To read our equity, diversity and inclusion statement to understand our charity’s commitment, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/about-us/equity-diversity-inclusion

What is our approach to funding?

Our aim in providing these funds is to encourage organisations to develop projects together that share our charitable purpose through:

  • Collaboration: We seek applications that promote a collaborative approach that includes the work of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, either directly or indirectly, through access to its resources and expertise. 
  • Social Impact Pilot Projects: We seek to support organisations that are looking to establish new programmes linked to our charitable purpose and to create an evidence base to apply for larger funding grants.

Discover good examples of engaging with our community either through our public programme below. These include utilising our workshops and exhibition spaces, receiving guidance and advice or by collaborating with our experts to address key industry issues. 

  • The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT): The charity widens access routes for young people to enter the industry. Their workshops in hand skills, including jewellery making, provide the opportunity for young people from diverse backgrounds, aged 14 to 19, to come together to learn under the guidance of an expert maker.
  • Flourish: The Flourish Jewellery Community Interest Company in Edinburgh is a social enterprise that believes in the transformative power of jewellery-making for all learners, regardless of circumstances. Their programmes aid participants’ recovery from past traumas as well as provide access to the industry.
  • Pivot: For people experiencing homelessness, jewellery-making offers a sense of agency at a time when it matters most. This is the vision of social enterprise, Pivot, who provide creative skills, 1-2-1 mentoring and financial support. Pivot delivers their training programme and pop-up selling event at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. 

What is the application process?

Step 1: Expression of Interest Form

Submit an Expression of Interest Form for either a Small Grant (up to £10,000) or Large Grant (£10,000 - £20,000)*

Icon Small Grants - Expression of Interest Form - The Goldsmiths' Centre Grants (60.5 KB) Icon Large Grants - Expression of Interest Form - The Goldsmiths' Centre Grants (60.6 KB)

This form will enable the Goldsmiths’ Centre to assess partnership potential, prior to a formal application. We acknowledge all Expressions of Interest on receipt, and will respond within 4 weeks to discuss your proposal further.

To discuss your proposal in advance of submission, please contact Julia Skilton, Grants Manager at julia.skilton@goldsmiths-centre.org or call 020 7566 7650 for support. 

*In exceptional circumstances, larger grants up to £40,000 will be considered if there is a strong business case. 

Step 2: Submitting an Application

If your proposal meets the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s objectives, applications will be invited that fulfil the following funding guidelines:

Icon The Goldsmiths' Centre - Funding Policy Guidelines 2024 (205.1 KB)

This process requires the submission of the Centre’s application form (Word document), together with supporting information required for due diligence. 

Step 3: Decision Timeline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed on a quarterly basis (January, April, June and September). Applications therefore have a 3 to 6 months approval process, depending on the complexity of the project. 

Funding awards will be approved by the Goldsmiths' Centre’s Trustees, and Trade Advisory Sub-Committee.