Grants of up to £5,000 are available to UK registered charities, public authorities and institutions to support projects in the areas of the performing arts, particularly dance, music and theatre, and conservation, with an emphasis on pre-Victorian buildings, including churches and collections.
The Leche Trust supports projects in the following areas:
Performing Arts – the Trust aims to achieve a broad balance between music, theatre and dance projects, and takes into account the number and location of the audiences and/or individuals likely to benefit, particularly where the following applies:
- Excellence in professional performance
- The production and performance of new work, and
- The development of young, professional artists aged 18 or over.
Around half of the Trust’s annual grant-giving is for arts-based activities.
Conservation - the Trust supports the conservation of historic objects, collections and features of buildings and designed landscapes which are pre-Victorian in date (ie pre 1837):
- In the case of churches, it will consider supporting the conservation of items such as monuments, wall paintings, stained glass, and historic furniture and fittings.
- Preference is given to awarding grants for smaller projects - or specific elements of projects - where its contribution can have a greater impact, and
- Projects may include conservation surveys and preventive measures as well as remedial work, as well as grants towards the acquisition of items for collections will be considered.
The Trust will accept applications for a grant of up to £5,000.
Applicants must be UK registered charities, public authorities or public institutions. Please note that the Trust does not accept applications from Community Interest Companies (CICs) or individuals.
Further information, guidance and details of how to apply can be found on the Trust’s website.
Trustees meet three times a year to review applications.
The next application deadline is on Monday 31 August 2026 with awards expected to be announced by the end of September 2026. Please note that the grant programme opens to applications on Monday 3 August 2026.