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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.

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 Instrument Loan Scheme

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 Instrument Loan Scheme 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 (funding wizard)

The Musicians Benevolent Fund support outstandingly talented young artists through award schemes and partnerships which help them develop their musical potential. We host a search facility called The Funding Wizard which details hundreds of award schemes open to young musicians.
Visit the MBF website for more information [opens in new browser window]

Royal Philharmonic Society - Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation

Financial assistance to help students of UK Music Conservatoires or Colleges of Music to purchase better quality instruments. Priority is given to first year students and junior students who will shortly be embarking on full-time study.
Visit the Royal Philharmonic Society 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.