Aims/priorities: Grants are available to charities across the UK for high quality projects that provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to access, enjoy and participate in the arts. The Trust’s aim is to give people of all ages a better quality of life by enabling them to understand, participate in and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts: music, drama, opera and dance.
The current areas of interest of the Trust are:
- Improving the provision and quality of music education in schools.
- Increasing the opportunities for children and young people to engage with music outside of school.
- Widening access to the arts for everyone, regardless of any disadvantage they face because of their health, financial or social circumstances.
- Reaching audiences in parts of the country where arts events are not usually found.
Most grants will be awarded for specific projects, but the Trust will also contributions towards the core costs of smaller organisations where a grant could make an impact.
Who can apply? The Trust mostly supports registered charities. Applications will also be considered from social enterprises, community groups, and other third sector organisations, as long as they are formally constituted and have clear charitable purposes. Priority will be given to small and medium sized organisations.
Grant amount: Grants typically range from £2,000 up to £30,000. In some cases repeat funding for up to three years will be considered (maximum award £90,000).
Application process: Organisations should first take the Eligibility Quiz which can be accessed on the Trust’s website. If they fulfil the criteria, organisations will be invited to make a Stage 1 application via email. A Stage 2 shortlist will then be drawn up and the selected applicants will be invited to complete a Stage 2 online application form. The Board of Trustees usually meets quarterly (in February, May, August, and November) to make final decisions on Stage 2 applications.
Deadline: The next deadline for Stage 1 applications is 12 noon on 8 December 2020.
Contact information: Email info@scopsartstrust.org.uk
Website address: www.scopsartstrust.org.uk