Tay Cities Culture and Tourism Challenge Fund

Overview

Funding is available to support capital projects that strengthen culture and tourism across the Tay Cities Region. A total of £10 million is available, with grants between £750,000 and £2,000,000. Projects must secure at least 50% match funding.

What the Fund Will Support

The CTIP Challenge Fund will support projects that:

• Enhance cultural, heritage, and tourism assets
• Deliver high-quality visitor experiences
• Contribute to sustainable economic growth
• Increase visitor numbers and visitor spend
• Support job creation and local economic impact
• Strengthen the region as a place to live, work and visit 

Projects should demonstrate clear regional impact and contribute to culture and tourism-led regeneration across the Tay Cities Region.

Funding Available

A total of £10 million is available through the CTIP Challenge Fund. 

Applicants can apply for capital grants of:

• Minimum: £750,000
• Maximum: £2,000,000

Projects must secure at least 50% match funding from other sources. In exceptional circumstances, applicants can submit bids for more than £2,000,000. Contact cultureandtourism@taycities.co.uk to discuss.

Who Can Apply

The Fund is open to organisations delivering projects within the Tay Cities Region that:

• Can demonstrate strong regional impact
• Have a project at a strong stage of development
• Can evidence match funding of at least 50%

How to Apply

At Stage 1, all applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). To request a form please email cultureandtourism@taycities.co.uk

Projects that are successful at EOI stage will be invited to submit a business case as part of the full application process.

Key Dates

Fund opens: 22 June
Expression of Interest deadline: 17 July
Full applications: By invitation
Final decisions: Spring 2027

Guidance

Full details can be found in the EOI guidance.

Background

The Culture & Tourism Investment Programme (CTIP) Challenge Fund is part of the Tay Cities Region Deal’s £37 million investment in culture and tourism, supporting projects that enhance cultural and heritage assets, strengthen the visitor economy, and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.