Youth Music Trailblazer Fund

Aims/priorities: The funding aims to support young people who want to change their lives through music but cannot because of who they are, where they are from or what they are going through.

The grants are for organisations who want to trial work or test a new way of working, sustain a grassroots programme or disrupt the status quo (or all three).

Who can apply? Constituted UK based organisations may apply.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be committed to improving inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) in their organisation, including youth voice and participation.
  • Be keen to develop their organisation.
  • Be legally constituted before submitting an application.
  • Have a bank account in the name of the organisation.
  • Have the correct insurance in place and comply with all relevant statutory legislation.
  • Have a safeguarding policy that is reflected on and updated regularly.

There is particular interest in:

  • Small organisations who support children and young people to make, learn or earn in music.
  • Those who work with children and young people facing barriers who want to trial a new music offer.
  • Established organisations that want to test a new way of working or disrupt the status quo.

Grant amount: Two levels of grants are available:

  • Grants of £2,000 to £15,000 are available to organisations of less than one year old.
  • Grants of £2,000 to £30,000 are available to organisations of more than one year old.

Projects should last between 6 and 24 months.

Applicants may also request personal access costs to remove barriers, enabling staff to deliver the project and complete grant reporting. This support is available for those who are d/Deaf or disabled, neurodivergent, have learning difficulties, mental health conditions, or long-term health conditions. Personal access costs can be requested in addition to the main grant, up to a maximum of 10%.

Application process: Guidance notes and the online application portal can be found on the Youth Music website.

Deadline: Friday 11 April 2025, (5pm)

Contact information: Email: grants@youthmusic.org.uk

Website: Trailblazer Fund | Youth Music