DCMS 'Connections Through Gaming' Pilot Fund (Boys 11-16)
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Award
£120k – £648k
Total fund Up to £773k
Deadline
Closes in 19 days (11 September 2026)
Where
England
Summary
DCMS is providing grant funding for delivery partner(s) to test an innovative three-year ‘Connections through Gaming’ pilot that will use gaming as a route to engage boys aged 11–16 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or low wellbeing. The pilot will combine gaming-based activities, structured wellbeing and confidence-building support; opportunities to build friendships, confidence and positive social connections, both online and in person. The pilot is particularly focused on boys aged 11-16 who: - may be becoming withdrawn or isolated; - are struggling to build or maintain social connections; - are not currently engaging with existing youth services; and - would benefit from additional support before challenges become more entrenched.
Who can apply
Eligibility, Due Diligence and Expectations Who Can Apply? We welcome applications from a range of organisation types, including VCSE sector organisations, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Local Authorities, schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs). This could include libraries, youth organisations, community organisations and organisations responsible for the governance and operation of schools. Where a school is part of a MAT or other governing body, the application must be submitted by the organisation responsible for the governance and operation of the school(s). Applicants will be required to demonstrate that the applying organisation is authorised to enter into a grant agreement and deliver the proposed activities. As set out in the eligibility requirements below, all applicants must meet the relevant statutory and organisational eligibility criteria in order to receive funding. Applications may be submitted by a single organisation or a consortium (for example, a joint application between a VCSE youth organisation and a Local Authority). We encourage consortium approaches that can bring together complementary skills and expertise in areas such as youth engagement and local delivery. This may, for example, apply to organisations who feel that alone they do not have the capacity or capability to address the pilot’s requirements, or wish to bring in additional expertise to meet the required skills and experience. Applicants should determine the most appropriate approach to delivering their proposal. Flexible Delivery Approaches DCMS expects the pilot to operate across at least three locations. Applicants may apply to deliver the pilot across all three locations, or within one or two locations where they can demonstrate strong local knowledge, partnerships and delivery capability. DCMS reserves the right to appoint a single delivery partner for the whole pilot, or multiple delivery partners where this would provide the strongest overall delivery model and achieve the best outcomes for participants. Applicants should clearly identify the location(s) they are proposing to deliver within and explain how their approach will contribute to the objectives of the pilot. Applicants proposing delivery across three or more locations should indicate whether they would be willing to deliver within a smaller number of locations if DCMS decides to appoint multiple delivery partners. Where relevant, applicants should explain how they would adapt their staffing, partnerships, delivery model and budget in this scenario. Funding Expectations for Single-Location Delivery Applicants proposing to deliver in a single location should develop a budget that is proportionate to the scale of delivery proposed. Based on the indicative funding profile for the pilot, applicants may wish to assume that funding could be allocated broadly across the three delivery locations. On this basis, a single-location proposal might typically require funding of approximately: £68,000–£78,000 in 2026/27 £74,000–£91,000 in 2027/28 £74,000–£91,000 in 2028/29 These figures are indicative only and applicants should determine the level of funding required based on their proposed delivery model. Applicants should note that funding is expected to cover all costs associated with delivery in that location, including: local partnership building and outreach activities; staff costs; staff training and development; gaming hardware and software (subject to eligibility requirements); venue and activity costs; establishment and management of the online delivery offer; and monitoring, reporting and grant management activities. In 2026/27, DCMS expects delivery partners will focus significantly on activities including partnership development, staff training, safeguarding processes, establishment of the online delivery offer, and wider programme set-up. As a result, participant reach may be lower during the first year, then building in subsequent years. We expect delivery and participant numbers to increase during 2027/28 and 2028/29 as delivery models become fully established. Local Authorities Local Authorities may apply either as sole applicants or consortium partners. Where a Local Authority applies as a sole applicant and is successful, funding will be administered under Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003 via a formal Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Determination Letter and an accompanying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Eligibility Requirements Applicants should note the requirements set out in the ‘Flexible Delivery Approaches’ section above regarding applications covering three locations, or a smaller number. To be eligible, applicants must meet the minimum requirements below and provide the relevant supporting documentation. These criteria will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis: Organisational Eligibility Applicants must: Be a UK-based organisation that has been operating for at least two years. Demonstrate that the project will be delivered on a strictly not-for-profit basis. Request no more than 50% of their average annual income (based on the previous two financial years) in any single year of grant funding. Be either: a Local Authority in England; or a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution eligible to receive funding under Section 70 of the Charities Act 2006. Funding may be awarded under either: Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003 in respect of Local Authorities; or Section 70 of the Charities Act 2006 in respect of charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institutions. For the purposes of this competition, applicants seeking funding under Section 70 of the Charities Act 2006 may include: charities registered with the Charity Commission; charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs); community interest companies (CICs); companies limited by guarantee operating on a not-for-profit basis; and other organisations established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes Applicants seeking funding under Section 70 must provide evidence demonstrating that they are eligible to receive funding under this power. This may include: a charity registration number; governing or constitutional documents (for example, a Memorandum and Articles of Association; registration documents; or other evidence demonstrating that the organisation has been established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. Projects funded under Section 70 of the Charities Act 2006 must deliver benefits, either directly or indirectly, to the whole or part of England. This competition funds delivery in eligible locations in England. Applicants must therefore demonstrate through their proposed delivery locations, activities and target participants that the project will benefit people and communities in England. Information provided elsewhere in the application will be used to confirm that this requirement has been met. Where a consortium application is submitted, these requirements apply to the lead applicant only. Experience and Delivery Capability Applicants must demonstrate: Youth Engagement and Delivery Experience: Applicants must demonstrate experience of delivering services for young people and engaging them through activities, interests, communities or digital platforms. We welcome applicants who can show how they have used gaming, online communities, or other youth interests to build relationships, strengthen social connections and support positive outcomes for young people. Where relevant expertise sits within a consortium partner, lead applicants should explain how it will contribute to programme delivery. Delivery Capacity: A clear plan to deliver the programme within the location(s) proposed by the applicant, demonstrating sufficient delivery capacity, appropriate local partnerships and a credible approach to participant engagement and reach. How local partnerships, community relationships, and local expertise will support delivery. Their ability to identify, engage and retain boys aged 11-16 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or social withdrawal throughout the project. Safeguarding and Online Safety Requirements: Applicants must provide a comprehensive safeguarding policy covering both in-person and online delivery. This should include arrangements for risk management, moderation, child protection and the safe use of online platforms, with particular regard to any messaging functionality. Applicants must demonstrate how any online provision will prevent communication between participants and unknown users outside the programme. Proposals involving public livestreaming or functionality that enables contact with strangers will not be eligible for funding. Applicants should set out how facilitators or other trusted adults involved in the pilot will be equipped to support participants throughout the pilot. This should include appropriate training and support to help them respond to online safety issues, facilitate discussions around sensitive or complex topics that may arise. Data Protection and GDPR Compliance: Applicants must demonstrate appropriate policies, processes and experience to manage participant data securely and in compliance with UK GDPR and relevant data protection legislation. Supporting Mandatory Documentation: Applicants must provide: At least two references Annual reports or certified accounts covering the previous two years (or similar documentation). Any additional information reasonably requested through the due diligence process. Where an applicant has previously received UK Government funding, DCMS will seek feedback from the relevant department. If the applicant’s most recent financial year ended more than six months before the application deadline, DCMS may request additional financial information. Consortium Applications Where a consortium bid is submitted, that application must: identify a lead party who will act on behalf of all parties to the consortium application and be responsible for all communication with the department throughout the application and appointment process. include a structure diagram identifying the roles and relationships between the parties including all companies taking part in the consortium, including their respective parent or ultimate holding companies. The structure should make clear who will be responsible for delivery of the grant and ensure that, as a minimum, the legal obligations and liabilities of the applicant are borne by an entity or entities which satisfy the financial requirements set out in this specification of requirements. include a written confirmation from each party to the consortium that they authorise the lead party to act on their behalf in relation to this grant competition. include a written agreement in principle between all parties to the consortium, outlining budget splits and staffing arrangements. Legally binding agreements would need to be in place before the successful applicant commences delivery. The value of any grant requested in any given year must not represent more than 50% of the lead applicant’s average annual income for the previous two financial years. Consortium members must also provide annual reports and audited or certified accounts covering the previous two years. For joint approaches to be eligible, they must adhere to the following criteria and provide the following mandatory documentation: The lead applicant must be a UK entity and have been trading in the UK for at least two years. For additional partners, this is a preference but not essential. Any organisations that are applying as a consortium must provide a copy of annual reports and audited or certified accounts covering the last two years. NB. The lead applicant must provide these documents, and consortia partner documents must also be provided at this stage Trustees and directors from multiple organisations are not related and there is no indication of fraud. Where multiple organisations are located at the same postcode, there is no indication of fraud – if multiple organisations hold the same address, they will be asked to provide an explanation. Due Diligence DCMS does not tolerate fraud, bribery or corruption. Applications will be checked against various databases to assess accuracy of the information provided. DCMS will monitor the grant throughout its lifetime and may conduct additional assurance exercises to ensure that funding is being spent correctly. We expect applicants to provide further information, if requested, as the result of due diligence and risk assessment checks. DCMS will conduct its due diligence checks through processes including (but not limited to): The Government’s online automated due-diligence tool “Spotlight” Manual pre- and post-award checks in line with Cabinet Office’s Guidance for General Grants Examples of issues which may preclude applicants from being eligible for funding include: Non-provision of the mandatory documentation Inaccurate or incomplete Charity Commission / Companies House information Inaccurate or incomplete budget and cash flow documents Inaccurate or incomplete project plan (In the case of a joint bid) the above issues being present with one of the delivery partners, even if not a concern for the other delivery partners / consortia members Eligibility process Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how they meet the requirements set out above. Applications that fail to meet this eligibility criteria will not proceed to full assessment. Delivery partner expectations In addition to the minimum eligibility requirements, we are looking for delivery partners that can demonstrate: Knowledge and Experience Experience of working with young people who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or low wellbeing, including an understanding of the factors that can contribute to these challenges. An ability to use gaming and related activities as a route to engage boys, build trusted relationships and support positive social connections; Experience of working collaboratively with local partners, such as schools, local authorities, and voluntary sector organisations, to establish potential referral pathways and support delivery. Delivery and Management Capability Experience of designing and delivering programmes that support young people to build confidence, wellbeing and social connections. Sufficient staff capacity, skills and experience to deliver the programme across at least three locations and provide appropriate support to participants. Robust safeguarding arrangements for both in-person and online delivery, including the safe management of online platforms and participant interactions. Appropriate financial management systems and processes to account for the pilot’s grant expenditure accurately and transparently, such as fraud risk assessments, fraud, bribery, anti-corruption and due diligence policies, and experience managing counter fraud processes. Experience establishing risk management protocols to counter technology-specific threats such as cyber security, hacking, or malware.
Full details
Purpose of Pilot The Challenge Boys and young men are facing growing challenges around loneliness, isolation and belonging. In England chronic loneliness affects 10% of young people aged 16-24, compared with 7% of the general population ( DCMS, 2024 ), while the 2026 DCMS ‘ Team Up’ campaign highlighted that one in four boys and young men report feeling lonely at least some of the time. Loneliness is associated with poorer mental health, lower wellbeing and reduced participation in education, work and community life. Young men are more than twice as likely to take their own lives as young women, while increasing numbers are becoming Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET), reducing opportunities to build social connections through school, training and work. These challenges are often greatest in disadvantaged communities. Addressing loneliness among boys and young men is therefore a priority for the Government. Why Gaming? Evidence from stakeholder engagement and the DCMS Participation Survey ( 2024 ) suggests that some boys who may not engage with existing youth services are highly responsive to activities they already enjoy. Gaming provides a particularly strong opportunity for connection, with 96% of boys and young men regularly playing video games. Popular across all backgrounds, gaming can provide a familiar and accessible route to building friendships, confidence and social connections, as well as developing skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and positive socialisation, in safe, moderated environments. About the Pilot DCMS is providing up to £773,000 in grant funding to test an innovative three-year ‘Connections through Gaming’ pilot that will use gaming as a route to engage boys aged 11–16 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or low wellbeing. The funding comprises up to £648,000 in grant funding for programme delivery. There is also up to £125,000 for independent evaluation activities, which will be commissioned separately by DCMS. The pilot is primarily an in-person programme, expected to take place in youth-focused environments with support from trusted adults. It also includes an online element designed to engage boys who may initially feel less able to participate in face-to-face activities. Any online provision will operate within a secure, moderated environment and be supported by robust safeguarding measures, appropriate supervision and thorough risk assessments to ensure participant safety. Further details are set out in the ‘Pilot Delivery Model’ section below. The pilot will combine: Gaming-based activities. Structured wellbeing and confidence-building support. Opportunities to build friendships, confidence and positive social connections through primarily in-person activities, supported where appropriate by safe, moderated online engagement. Who We Want to Reach The pilot is particularly focused on boys aged 11-16 who: may be becoming withdrawn or isolated; are struggling to build or maintain social connections; are not currently engaging with existing youth services; and would benefit from additional support before challenges become more entrenched. Delivery Partner Opportunity DCMS is seeking one or more ambitious delivery partners, or consortia, with experience of engaging and supporting young people, that can test new approaches. The successful applicant(s) will use gaming as a route to engage boys, build trusted relationships, strengthen social connections and help build the evidence base on what works to support this group. The successful applicant will be funded to deliver the programme over a three-year period, concluding on 31 March 2029. The deadline for applications is 23:59 Friday 11th September, and programmes are expected to begin in November. Pilot Delivery Model Applicants should propose a delivery model that uses gaming and related activities to engage boys aged 11–16 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or social withdrawal, helping them to build confidence, develop friendships and strengthen social connections. The pilot should provide safe, moderated opportunities for social connection. Online activities must operate within secure programme environments and should not rely on public livestreaming or communication with unknown users. We expect successful proposals to include the following elements: In-Person Delivery In-person delivery should form the core of the pilot. Applicants should provide regular opportunities for participants to engage in structured, trusted adult-led activities in safe and appropriate community settings. The online provision, set out below, should be designed to support engagement with, and progression into, in-person activities. The pilot as a whole is expected to operate across at least three target locations. Applicants may propose delivery across all three locations, or within one or more locations in line with the ‘Flexible Delivery Approaches’ section below. The locations below have been selected to identify areas where there is a strong evidence-based case for supporting boys and young men at risk of loneliness and social isolation. They bring together measures of youth disadvantage and other factors associated with loneliness, such as poor mental health and disengagement from education. Applicants should use this list as the starting point for identifying their proposed delivery locations. However, it is for applicants to determine which location(s) they will focus on and to explain why these areas are the best fit for their proposed delivery model and intended beneficiaries. Local Authority: Blackpool County Durham East Lindsey Great Yarmouth Halton Hartlepool Havant Knowsley Lincoln Liverpool Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne North East Lincolnshire Norwich Nottingham Portsmouth Plymouth Redcar and Cleveland Rotherham Salford Sheffield Sunderland Tameside Tendring Wirral Structured Support Delivery should include opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop social connections and overcome barriers to participation. This could include: building trusted adult relationships; facilitated group discussions; peer support opportunities; or other approaches that help participants build confidence, belonging and positive social relationships. Online Provision The pilot should include an accessible online offer that can engage boys who may be less likely to attend in-person sessions initially, with the expectation that participants will be supported and encouraged over time to transition into in-person provision. The online offer should: provide a low-pressure, safe and appropriately supervised environment; create opportunities to build trust and relationships; and support participants to engage more fully with the wider programme over time. Online Safety and Safeguarding Any online activity must operate within a secure, moderated and appropriately supervised environment, supported by robust safeguarding procedures and trained staff. The online offer should primarily support interaction between programme participants and facilitators and should be designed to complement in-person delivery. Activities through this pilot should not include: public livestreaming functionality; communication, matching or pairing with unknown users outside the programme environment; or any features that enable participants to engage directly with members of the public who are not known to the programme and subject to its safeguarding arrangements. Applicants should clearly set out how they will manage online risks, moderate interactions, undertake appropriate risk assessments, and ensure that any messaging or communication functions operate with a secure and controlled environment. The format of the online provision is for applicants to determine, but it should be simple, practical and easy to deliver whilst being secure (for example, password protected). The online element should support participation in the wider programme and should not rely on public platforms or open-access environments. It could include, for example, a regular moderated group session, such as a weekly virtual call and online youth club, where young people and youth workers come together to play the same game, chat, and build relationships in a safe environment. Any online platform, service or gaming environment used as part of the pilot must be appropriately moderated and designed to minimise online safety risks for participants. Any messaging or communication functions should be restricted to participants, facilitators and approved users within the programme’s moderated environment and operate in line with the delivery partner’s safeguarding policies. Mobilisation and Delivery The pilot is expected to commence in November 2026, with delivery continuing until 31 March 2029. Up to £204,000 has been committed to the pilot in FY 26/27. Based on stakeholder engagement, DCMS expects that a proportion of first-year funding (estimated at £25,000) may be required in the first year for staff training and / or equipment. Applicants should set out how they intend to use first-year funding to establish and deliver the pilot effectively. Further details on available funding are set out in this section. Monitoring and Evaluation: The successful applicant will be expected to: provide regular reports to DCMS on delivery progress; support programme evaluation activities; work collaboratively with the independent evaluator appointed by DCMS; collect and provide agreed monitoring data; and use learning and participant feedback to continuously improve delivery. Funding Availability The ‘Connections Through Gaming’ Pilot funding available is £648,000 in the financial years 2026/27 - 2028/29. An additional budget of £125,000 has been allocated for the independent evaluation activities commissioned separately by DCMS. This grant will provide resource funding to the successful applicant only to be utilised in the following financial years: 2026/27: £204,000 2027/28: £222,000 2028/29: £222,000 All annually allocated funds awarded must be spent by 31 March each financial year, with any unspent funds returned to DCMS. In normal circumstances, up to 6% of the total grant can be claimed for administrative costs for the delivery partner to deliver the fund. This is a guide - higher administrative costs may be claimed by the delivery partner, but should be set out and justified clearly. Administrative costs are indirect project costs associated with delivering the fund objectives. These costs support the overall business operations and include things like rent, utilities, administrative staff, senior oversight, and office supplies etc. Where a staff cost directly relates to programme activity - for example, a coach or mentor involved in a career development programme - it may be classified as a non-administrative cost. Usage The ‘Connections Through Gaming’ Pilot funding must be spent to improve social connections amongst boys aged 11-16, building their confidence through targeted in-person and online gaming interventions. The funding may be spent on the following activities: Local partnership building Staff training and development to support highly isolated young people and deliver safe, effective and inclusive gaming-based interventions Staff costs, directly related to the programme delivery, including salaries, employer National Insurance contributions and employer pension contributions Frontline youth worker and facilitator capability building Travel and subsistence (within parameters agreed in advance with DCMS) Communication and marketing (subject to Cabinet Office controls) In-person venue hire, secure online server hosting, password-protected online space development, and session-specific gaming hardware/software assets used directly by participants Other delivery costs incurred by the scheme as appropriate to the proposed delivery methodology Administration costs related to delivering the project up to 6% (with proposals for higher costs clearly set out and justified) Hardware and equipment Applicants should note that this fund cannot support capital expenditure. However, grant funding may be used to purchase gaming hardware and equipment where this is necessary for the delivery of the pilot. Applicants should clearly set out within their application any proposed expenditure on gaming hardware and equipment, including the type of equipment to be purchased, the expected costs, and how it will support delivery of the programme. Proposed expenditure should be reasonable, necessary for delivery of the pilot, proportionate to the scale of activity proposed, and represent value for money. Applicants should also demonstrate how any hardware or equipment purchased is directly linked to the delivery of the pilot and its intended outcomes. DCMS will consider the appropriateness and value for money of proposed hardware and equipment costs as part of the assessment process. This is not an exhaustive list but an indication of eligible spend. We may consider funding other types of activities as long as they are not listed as ineligible below. The funds may not be used for: academic research advocacy and lobbying capital expenditure core costs - other than for those that can be evidenced as directly related to the project outlined in the application contributions to reserves costs for which funding has already been received fees for professional fundraisers individuals party political organisations pension costs - other than employer pension contributions for staff directly employed on the project projects outside our funding priorities promotion of religious beliefs purchase of buildings or venues rapid response to emergencies repayment of debts or loans retrospective funding, where expenditure has been incurred prior to the grant award date services run by statutory or public authorities outside the scope of this project redeployment costs or staff redundancy costs that represent additional costs to those incurred by salary payments during a staff member’s notice period. Vehicles Financial Requirements Please note: The DCMS financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March. If successful, drawdown requests and budgets must fit the DCMS financial year. Payments will be made quarterly and in arrears. You will need to provide a breakdown of actual, eligible expenditure to make a claim. We will only pay out the amount you can evidence as spent. Variations between proposed drawdown amounts and actual drawdown requests across quarters of the same financial year will be accepted, with explanation and justification. However, we will not be able to vary funds across financial years. Any funds not drawn down by the end of the financial year will become unavailable. Requests for payment in advance will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. If you wish to be paid in advance, you will be asked to explain and justify your reasons in your application, this includes ensuring that your request fits with one or more of the ‘payments in advance’ criteria outlined in the application form. Your request will be considered as part of the assessment process. If your application and request to be paid in advance are approved, you will be expected to provide quarterly reconciliation details for the duration of your project, detailing any underspend against funds received. You will be required to reconcile any underspend before further funding is released. You will also be required to complete a formal Financial Reconciliation Statement (FRS) form at the end of the financial year. Whether paid in arrears or in advance, you must be able to transparently report on a quarterly basis and provide evidence of expenditure. The ‘Connections Through Gaming’ Pilot Fund must be shown as restricted funds in your accounts and you must be able to identify separately the value and purpose of the grant in your accounts. You will be asked to describe the financial management systems and processes you will put in place to ensure you can achieve this in your application. Grant monitoring and reporting DCMS is committed to robust monitoring of grant funding, proportionate to the size and length of the grant. Successful applicants are expected to: provide regular financial and performance monitoring data returns for the grant funding period. This could include timesheets to evidence staff time, for example. DCMS will provide a template for returns. attend monthly monitoring meetings to report on the progress of grant awards (based on the monitoring returns) and update on risks/slippage on spend. attend informal catch-up meetings with DCMS project leads and the external evaluator. work with DCMS to support the design of the evaluation and collection of relevant data for the overarching process, impact and economic evaluation, which will be delivered by an external evaluator. Provide monitoring data to DCMS and the external evaluator and seek permission from beneficiaries for contact details to be shared with DCMS and the external evaluator. Programme monitoring and evaluation The DCMS Evaluation Strategy sets expectations for proportionate, robust and impactful evaluation. DCMS will appoint an independent evaluator (procured via a separate commercial contract framework) to assess the effectiveness of the pilot, its impact on outcomes such as social connection, wellbeing and mental health, and its value for money. The Delivery Partner will be expected to collaborate closely with the independent evaluator, providing access to relevant programme information and supporting the design and delivery of evaluation activity, including agreed data collection processes. The Delivery Partner will be responsible for collecting monitoring and evaluation data throughout the programme. The exact requirements will be agreed with DCMS and the independent evaluator, but are expected to include: Data on participant and session locations to assess the geographical reach of the programme. Structured baseline data for participants at the point of entry using verified tools. Qualitative feedback and evidence of participant progress. Key lessons learned and any improvements made to delivery, partnership working or online provision. Quantitative survey data on outcomes such as wellbeing, self-confidence and social connection. Any additional data collection required by the independent evaluator. Collection of participant contact details and appropriate GDPR-compliant consent (including parental consent where required) to enable participation in evaluation activities. DCMS will review and sign off the final monitoring and evaluation plans and the reports from the evaluations. Grant award Acceptance of funding The Delivery Partner’s grant offer letter will set out the level of funding and any additional conditions. The letter will also set out what the grant is for and the quarterly payment schedule. Once we have awarded a grant, we will ask you for regular financial and performance monitoring reports and a final project report at the end of the funding term. Please note: grant money will not be paid until we have received your written acceptance of the terms and conditions attached to your grant offer. you must acknowledge you have received our grant in your annual report and accounts covering the period of the project. if there is any breach of the terms and conditions, or your organisation ceases to operate before the grant has been spent, grant monies may have to be repaid. when the grant ends, the ‘Connections Through Gaming’ Pilot Fund does not have a commitment to provide any further funding for the project. anyone found to be acting dishonestly in making an application for funding or spending the grant will be reported to the police and may be liable for prosecution. Grant terms and conditions See the DCMS draft terms and conditions for grant agreements . The terms and conditions are non-negotiable. Submitting a proposal means acceptance of these. You should not seek to amend the terms and conditions.