How to Apply
Applications can be made to either the Music Scheme or the Heritage & Crafts Scheme.
The application form will request information about your organisation, the project and your finances, so please ensure that you have gathered this information in sufficient time to submit the application before the deadline.
You will be able to return to the application form to edit details up to the point at which it is closed. Once submitted, the application cannot be altered.
If you wish to discuss your application, please contact our Administrator on 01285 841900 or via email. Any guidance given offers no guarantee of success.
Deadlines
For consideration at the July Trustees’ meeting
Applications open on 1st November and close on 31st January. Please note any projects that start prior to the 1st July will not be considered (except in very rare and exceptional circumstances at the Trustees’ discretion).
For consideration at the December Trustees’ meeting
Applications open on 1st May and close on 31st July. Please note any projects that start prior to the 1st January in the year following the trustee meeting will not be considered (except in very rare and exceptional circumstances at the Trustees’ discretion).
Please note that we do not accept late applications. The Trust receives more applications than it can support, so late submissions are not considered to ensure fairness to all applicants.
Project Budgets
The application form requests budget information for your project.
Heritage & Crafts grants are generally in the region of £2,500–£7,500.
Music grants are in the region of £2,500–£5,000.
Applicants may include a proportionate but limited share of organisational overheads, but must clearly distinguish direct project costs from organisational overheads in their budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply as an individual?
Only organisations may apply, though the Trust supports individuals through specific scheme criteria.
I work with a not-for-profit organisation, can I apply?
Yes. The Trust accepts applications from CICs, CIOs, and other not-for-profit organisations.
How much can I ask for?
Heritage & Crafts grants are generally in the region of £2,500–£7,500.
Is it possible to get a faster decision?
No. The decision process takes up to six months as projects receive careful Trustee consideration.
Do you accept late applications?
No. The Trust receives more applications than it can support, so late submissions are not considered to ensure fairness.
Can we include core costs for Heritage & Crafts?
The Trust supports projects and training but not fixed core costs. It accepts a proportionate but limited share of your organisation’s overheads.
I have more than one project. Can I put multiple projects into my application?
No. Only one project per application is considered.
Can I apply to both schemes in a single grant round?
No more than one application per organisation per scheme per round, but organisations may apply to both schemes simultaneously if clearly indicated.
If my organisation has received three years of consecutive funding, can we apply for further support?
Yes, but only after taking a one-year break following each three consecutive years of funding.
I would like to make an application on behalf of a Quartet or Ensemble; is that possible?
Yes. The Trust accepts applications from Quartets and Ensembles for Music Scheme applications.
Can I send additional material in support of my application?
The Trust will contact you if additional information is needed, such as brochures or CVs.
Can I send photographs of my project?
Yes. Attach no more than two photographs using the accounts upload option if they clarify your application.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I reapply in the next round?
Yes. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply. Successful applicants cannot reapply for 12 months or until project completion unless invited.
Do you provide feedback on applications?
No feedback is provided on unsuccessful applications.
Do you visit all successful applicants?
The Trustees do not visit all grantees but may visit if deemed appropriate.
Monitoring
All grant recipients are required to meet the following monitoring requirements:
Receipt Acknowledgement
Beneficiaries must send a letter of acknowledgement within two weeks of receiving the grant for auditing purposes.
Final Reporting
All successful applicants receive a link to an online reporting form that must be completed and submitted upon project completion.
Multi-Year Funding
For recipients with funding across multiple years, payment of each annual instalment is conditional on receipt of a satisfactory report of the previous year.
Please note: Failure to submit receipts or reports may impact future applications to the Trust.