What is Cambridge BID?

Cambridge BID is an organisation set up, and funded, by Cambridge businesses and other commercial organisations to enhance the experience of the City Centre – the BID geographical area – and to promote our exceptional city for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

How much can you apply for?

UPDATE: the funding pot for 2024-2025 has now been allocated, and applications will re-open in April 2025. Please email jenny.granshaw@cambridgebid.co.uk if you have questions.

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In the financial year starting in April 2024 and ending in March 2025, the total sum available to be shared between all projects was £26,000.

The upper limit each organisation can apply for is £2000. We may occasionally grant higher than this for projects that we deem of significant merit to the BID area, and dependent on the funding available at time of application.

After receiving your application we may offer to part-fund your project but not at the level you have requested. We hope applicants can understand that the Grant Pot is in high demand and we strive to ensure that a range of organisations can be reached.

Who is eligible to submit a project and apply for funding?

Businesses or other organisations, including charities, residents’ organisations, within or beyond the BID area (these may also include BID levy-payers who have paid their levy in full).

Please note we are looking to support projects that are delivered or staged within the BID area. If they take place outside of the BID area then the impact on the city centre should be clearly demonstrated within your application. More information on the BID geographical area can be found here.

In 2023/2024, a few of the events we proudly supported are:

• Cambridge Film Festival

• Cambridge Music Festival

• Cambridge Summer Music

• Cambridge Jazz Festival

• Cambridge Pride

Please note, this grant pot is not intended to fund capital projects.

Which BID work stream does your project fit into?

The application form directs you to specify which BID work-stream(s) the project fits into:

Welcome - Create a vibrant and world class destination delivering a variety of promotions and events that animate and entertain

Experience - Working with key stakeholders within the city to coordinate, organise and deliver a range of projects to create a welcoming, friendly city for all to enjoy 

Support - Enable greater strategic connectivity for BID businesses and give them the tools required to trade successfully in this world-class platform

How to apply?

Please download and complete and return the grant funding application form to info@cambridgebid.co.uk.

If you would like an informal discussion about your application or have any additional questions then please contact the same email address.

Cambridge BID will review applications as they come in and will respond with a decision within a 6-week time period.  Please take this into account when submitting your application.  Cambridge BID may come back to you with questions regarding the application during this process.

Projects should be delivered within a year of applying for funding.