Between 2026 and 2029, open funding calls will be made to pilot skills interventions that have the potential to create a step-change in addressing the sector’s skills challenges. Funded projects should provide learning and insights into interventions that could benefit the whole screen sector.
Funding call 1: Professional development framework for technical and craft skills
- funding available: up to £150,000
- anticipated number of awards: 1
This funding will support the development and piloting of professional development framework and associated pilot training activity to:
- Professionalise technical and craft skills in screen.
- Identify the skills needed to progress into and through technical and craft roles, across all associated grades.
- Aid the transfer and portability of technical and craft skills to screen from adjacent sectors including live music and theatre.
Once delivered, the framework should help broaden access to work, aid sustainable work for individuals, and improve worker retention.
Who can apply
Your organisation must be a legally constituted organisation centrally managed in the UK. This includes:
- limited liability company or partnership registered at Companies House
- community interest company registered at Companies House
- combined or local authority or statutory body
- charity or trust registered with the Charity Commission (including UK universities and colleges)
When you can apply
The deadline for applications is midday on 24 November 2026.
We expect to make awards within 12 weeks of the fund closing for applications.
How to apply
You need to read the funding guidelines before you apply. The application link is included in the guidelines.
If you have any questions about the fund, email [email protected]
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. You can get help if you need support to apply for funding.
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects. As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.