Navigating the Next NPO Round: Expert Support for Your Organisation

If your organisation was getting ready to apply or re-apply, you were probably on a high level of anticipation and suddenly felt deflated, perhaps relieved for a while, but also frustrated that plans couldn’t progress. We felt that too – but can we look at this in a positive light?

The (current) plan will see organisations focusing on their new submissions during late 2025 and early 2026 – which seems a long way off, but should we act now? The delay gives us a rare chance to take stock in a fast-paced world and take advantage of this new window.  Early preparation offers the chance to build a robust strategy and a well-defined approach — one that strengthens your organisation’s vision, aligns with several Investment Principles, and consolidates your strengths.

We have a strong track record of supporting organisations through successful NPO applications. Our consultancy team has helped Boards and staff develop a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive as an NPO, from strategic alignment with ACE’s priorities to financial resilience and impact measurement. As part of our commitment to building a more diverse and sustainable arts sector, we offer tailored support to organisations preparing for this crucial opportunity.

Expert Guidance for NPO-Ready Organisations

We provide comprehensive support to help organisations, and their Boards meet the requirements of being an NPO. Our responsive approach means we can offer either a single strand to strengthen your bid or a combined package of services to support you through the full submission process. We offer:

• Board Workshops – We facilitate in-depth workshops with Boards to explore ACE’s Investment Principles, a critical area that Boards must guide strategically and monitor. These sessions also support Boards in refining their organisation’s strategic fit with ACE to strengthen their applications.
• Staff Workshops – Engaging the whole team, from management and programming to technical and operational staff, we help embed the Investment Principles across the organisation, ensuring that every member understands their role in supporting them.
• Impact Measurement and Storytelling – We help organisations align their impact monitoring with ACE’s expectations, while also using data effectively to tell their own story and demonstrate their value.
• Financial Testing – Our team conducts thorough reviews of budget projections for NPO applications, offering practical insights to improve financial resilience and support long-term sustainability.

Long-Term Relationships and a More Diverse NPO Portfolio

Jo Dacombe, Head of Consultancy at Art Reach, highlights the importance of developing long-term relationships with organisations throughout their NPO journey:

“We believe in working alongside organisations to strengthen their strategic approach and develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive as an NPO. By sharing our expertise and supporting Boards to take on the responsibilities ACE expects, we’re helping to build a more diverse and resilient portfolio of funded organisations. Our past successes demonstrate that the right guidance at the right time can make all the difference.”

Our recent work with organisations in the last NPO round led to several successful applications, with our consultancy support playing a key role in ensuring they were fully prepared.

Read more about our previous successes here – NPO Successes

Get Ready for the NPO Application Process

With ACE placing greater responsibility on Boards and expecting organisations to fully embed the Investment Principles across their teams, having the right support could make all the difference.

We can help you navigate the process with tailored consultancy services that ensure your organisation is NPO-ready, confident, and resilient.

Start your preparations today — and give your organisation the best chance of success.

Contact us now to find out more about our NPO support services.