Grants of between £15,000 and £150,000 are available to UK performing arts organisations for new build projects, refurbishment and major and specialist equipment to improve performance and training facilities.
The Wolfson Foundation is one of the UK’s major independent grant-making charities, having awarded grants totalling more than £1 billion since it was established in 1955.
The Foundation’s Performing Arts programme provides capital funding for performing arts organisations to improve their training and education facilities. It generally award grants towards the building or refurbishment of these facilities, and occasionally towards the purchase of related specialist equipment.
Applying organisations should:
- Be operated by a registered charity or a local authority.
- Be focussed on professional performance and the performing arts should constitute the vast majority, if not the sole focus, of its activities, and
- Be able to make a case for the significance of its education work within the sector. For applicants that operate a venue, the significance of its artistic programme will also be taken into account.
Project proposals should be focussed on improving the quality of training and education facilities and represent a strategic priority for the organisation. Proposals can also have one or more of the following additional aims:
- Better engagement with audiences.
- Increased numbers of participants.
- Improved future sustainability of the organisation, and/or
- Conservation of architectural heritage.
If there is a high level of demand for the programme, the Foundation will prioritise applications from training organisations or large-to-mid scale venues, and projects that concern dedicated facilities for education. Please note that community and multi-arts centres are unlikely to be eligible for funding through this programme and are encouraged to look instead at the Theatres Trust Wolfson Theatre Improvement Scheme.
- The Foundation generally award grants towards:
- The refurbishment of artists’ facilities such as dressing rooms or other backstage spaces.
- The refurbishing of auditorium facilities such as seating and rehearsal spaces, and
- Teaching and education facilities.
The Foundation also occasionally provides grants for specialist equipment.
The minimum grant available is £15,000, while most awards tend to be in the range of £50,000 - £150,000. Please note that a matched funding contribution is usually expected for this programme.
The Foundation has a 2-stage application process. If a deadline date falls during a weekend, they are happy to accept applications that arrive by 9am on the following Monday.
Please note that all applicants are required to register for an account before starting an online application. The Foundation is happy for applicants to get in touch to discuss a funding proposal before starting an application, and will answer questions about its eligibility criteria or application process, particularly for first-time applicants. This offer applies to all of the Foundation's grant programmes.
Further information, guidance and details about how to apply is available on the Wolfson Foundation website.