ARTSFUNDED | ACE PROJECT BUDGET PLANNER | 2026 EDITION

Independent preparation worksheet, not an official Arts Council England form.

Free to adapt for your own application. No account or email required.

Save this file and edit it in a text editor or paste it into Word. It does not calculate totals.

Guide: https://www.artsfunded.com/blog/ace-budgets-template

Current official guidance: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/ProjectGrants

Prepared 25 October 2026. Check your current grant band and form before submitting.

1. PROJECT AND ASSUMPTIONS

Project name:

Applicant and grant band:

Delivery dates (allow for the funder's decision and permission to start):

Version, date and person responsible for checking:

Rate sources and quote dates:

VAT treatment checked by:

2. CASH EXPENDITURE

Duplicate this entry for each cost. Include paid preparation and reporting, not just delivery.

Item and activity it supports:

Quantity / days / hours:

Rate or supplier quote:

Calculation and total:

Evidence, date and person confirming it:

When payment is due:

Remember people, venues, materials, access, marketing, evaluation and eligible overheads.

Known access costs belong in the plan, not hidden in contingency.

Cash costs before contingency: £____

Separate contingency (if permitted): £____

Named risk and calculation basis for this allowance:

TOTAL CASH EXPENDITURE: £____

3. CASH INCOME

Duplicate for each source. Requested funding is not confirmed funding.

Source:

Amount: £____

Status: confirmed / requested / forecast

Evidence or forecast calculation:

Decision date / expected receipt date:

What changes if this income does not arrive:

TOTAL CASH INCOME INCLUDING ACE REQUEST: £____

ACE request included in that total: £____

Income minus expenditure: £____ (explain and resolve any difference)

4. SUPPORT IN KIND — KEEP SEPARATE FROM CASH

Donation, room, equipment or other non-cash support:

Provider and confirmation:

Valuation and basis: £____

Check this is not also counted as a fully paid item:

Transfer to the official form using its current treatment of support in kind.

5. PAYMENT TIMING AND FINAL CHECK

Month / opening cash / cash received / cash paid / closing cash:

Largest temporary cash shortfall and how it will be covered:

[ ] Activities and budget describe the same project.

[ ] Rates and quantities are supported; totals have been independently checked.

[ ] Cash and non-cash support are distinguished and not double counted.

[ ] Income status, request, dates and attachments agree with the application.

[ ] Applicant has checked the official requirements and approved the final figures.

Keep completed files private. This worksheet is not financial advice or a guarantee of eligibility.