Sane Creative Awards Scheme is still open for new applications!

The SANE Creative Awards Scheme is still open for new applications, but will be closing on Monday, September 1^st, 2025.

Guide to Applying

About SANE’s Creative Awards Scheme

SANE has a long association with the arts, and for many years held a successful awards scheme which provided grants to individuals wishing to further their artistic development. The SANE Creative Awards Scheme builds on this tradition and presents an opportunity for those affected by mental ill-health to take a step towards realising their creative potential.

The scheme aims to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems, their families and carers. The awards may be used to help purchase materials, make a contribution towards course costs and, in the case of carers, offer support towards the cost of replacement care.

There are three levels of awards to apply for – £100, £200 and £300.

In time, the scheme may invite applications for proposals across all art forms, however, for this round we will be accepting applications for visual art only.

For the purposes of the scheme, visual arts encompass all forms of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media and digital art.*

Eligibility

The Creative Awards Scheme is open to:

• Any person who has a diagnosed mental health condition
• Anyone acting as a full-time carer for such a person
• Individuals who belong to both groups

How to apply

• Complete an application form.
• Please ensure you complete the section asking you to outline how you would use the award, along with your experience of mental illness and how you see an award helping your creative development.
• Please state if you are in receipt of benefits.
• State the level of award you are applying for – £100, £200 or £300.
• Please include examples of your previous work where applicable.
• Include the contact details of a referee – this may be a mental health professional or other relevant person. In the case of a carer, please provide a personal referee.
• Please send completed applications, along with photos, to TAndrews@sane.org.uk or by post to Thomas Andrews, SANE, St Mark’s Studios, 14 Chillingworth Road, London, N7 8QJ.
• Applications must be submitted by Monday September 1^st 2025

  Exclusions

  • Applications will only be accepted from people living in the United Kingdom.
  • Applications will not be accepted regarding proposals for political activities, creative activities outside the visual arts, or towards the costs of mainstream educational courses that lead to academic, vocational or professional qualifications.

   

  What happens next

  A panel will meet to consider applications and will aim to notify successful applicants as soon as practicable. If selected, applicants will be sent a letter and acceptance form which will outline the terms of the award. Those who are unsuccessful will also be contacted during this period.

   

  What we expect

  • The provision of receipts from costs incurred in pursuit of proposal aims
  • Evidence of works or endeavours enabled by the granting of awards
  • A short report on the progress that the award recipient has made towards achieving their proposal

   

  Use of images and text

  We would like to use images and material from those receiving awards to enable us to reach others and promote the scheme. Please let us know if you would prefer us not to use your work in this way.

   

  Would a grant affect benefits entitlement?

  People in receipt of benefits might be concerned that their entitlement could be adversely affected by an award such as this. However, the present situation regarding gifts or grants is that any income from voluntary sources is disregarded completely.

  An individual in receipt of benefits is allowed to have savings of up to £6,000 before there is any reduction in their benefit payments.

Check out the application form and guidance here