Music Funding / Grant Awarding Bodies

There are a number of organisations throughout Britain who will help fund the purchase of musical instruments for young musicians or will provide instruments on loan to young musicians. The alphabetical list below outlines the major organisations with a short description of how they are able to help.

The Arts Council - England

The Take It Away scheme allows individuals to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free.
Visit the Arts Council website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Awards For Young Musicians

Open to British instrumentalists aged from 5-18 to apply for awards ranging from £100 to £2,000 towards the purchase or hire of musical instruments and accessories, music lessons, weekend music schools, music courses, orchestra fees and travel. Closing date for applications April. Letter of recommendation from a teacher or music establishment and evidence of financial need is required.
Visit the AYM website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Benslow Music Trust

The Instrument Loan Scheme lends high quality instruments to promising young players and students throughout the UK who are unable to afford a suitable instrument of their own.
Visit the Benslow Music Trust website for more information [opens in new browser window]

The Countess Of Munster Musical Trust

Each year the Trust is able to offer a small number of interest-free loans, to those who are on the threshold of their careers, to help with the purchase of musical instruments.
Visit the Countess of Munster website for more information [opens in new browser window]

EMI Music Sound Foundation

EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples' access to music education in the UK & Ireland. They provide bursaries for the purchase or upgrade of instruments and music making equipment.
Visit the EMI Music Sound Foundation website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Future Talent

Future Talent is committed to helping young musicians reach their full potential. They fund lessons, provide exam fees, source instruments and fund masterclasses. FutureTalent are interested in every aspect of the development of young musicians.
Visit the Future Talent website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Loan Fund For Musical Instruments

Set up by the Arts Council of England, The Musicians Union, The Royal Society of Arts and the Worshipful Company of Musicians. The Fund enables young professional musicians to purchase high quality instruments appropriate to their careers, which they would not otherwise be able to afford.
Visit the Loan Fund website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Musicians Benevolent Fund

The Musicians Benevolent Fund is the music business's own charity - the largest in the UK, funded entirely by donations and bequests from music lovers and musicians. They provide financial assistance to talented musicians towards study fees, maintenance and instrument purchase up to a maximum of £5,000.
Visit the MBF website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Tom Acton Memorial Trust

The trust supports young musicians from Essex aged 25 or under with financial help for instruments, tuition, and other expenses.
Visit the Tom Acton Memorial Trust website for more information [opens in new browser window]

There are a number of smaller, local charities that offer support to talented young people in their area. County or regionally based organisations have been set up to promote educational opportunities and many of these include music as a part of their objective. Schools, church musicians and LEAs can be useful starting points in trying to find these local organisations.

We have also found that Rotary Clubs throughout Britain are often most supportive of youth music usually preferring to support young people within organised musical activities such as by helping with orchestral fees. Similar organisations such as Lions Clubs and Round Tables may also offer assistance but each local club or chapter will often have its own guidelines.

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