Grants, generally for of up to £5,000, are available to Choral Foundations, Choirs, Parish Churches, Cathedrals, Collages and Schools in England, Wales and Ireland for the maintenance, performance and promotion of choral services in England, Wales and Ireland.
The charitable objectives of the Ouseley Church Music Trust are to:
During the year ended 31 December 2024, the Trust reviewed and republished its grants policy as part of a defining statement, which is to concentrate on making grants as follows:
- Grants towards the costs of musicians, scholarships, bursaries, and choral outreach/development schemes.
- Means-tested assistance towards the fees of individual choristers at cathedrals and choral foundations.
- The purchase of liturgical music (not hymn books or psalters).
- Courses for individuals and groups of church musicians.
- Where there is no specific choir school - grants towards chorister support costs, including theory, instrumental and vocal tuition, plus travel and subsistence associated with choristers at cathedrals and choral foundations, and
- Other projects (for example, outreach work in the community) of an innovative kind that are likely to further the Trust's object in a direct and effective way. In exceptional circumstances, these may include music commissions. In every case, the project must have a direct bearing on advancing choral excellence in worship.
Awards are made at biannual meetings of the Trustees. The deadlines are:
- 28 February, and
- 30 June.
Please note that previously funded applicants are normally unable to apply for 24 months from their grant award.
Further information, guidance and an application form is available on the Trust’s website.