The Hinrichsen Foundation awards small, one-off grants, usually around £1,000-£1,500, to registered charities, not-for-profit organisations and individuals in the UK for the performance of contemporary music, which may include the commissioning of new work, non-commercial recording and even publications. Grants are also occasionally provided for research projects that take place outside the patronage of an academic institution.

The Music Resource website defines contemporary music as “any style of music that is current or modern, addressing current issues in a manner that is appealing to the current audience. The manner of appeal may involve fusing more than one original music style together. However, it should be noted that contemporary music takes advantage of the technological development of the era”.

Grants of £250 to £1,500 are normally available. The Foundation is unlikely to fund 100% of project costs and will expect applicants to contribute a degree of matched funding.

During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Foundation’s activities were significantly impacted by COVID as the pandemic made live arts performances difficult. As a consequence, the trading group did not reach its targets for the year and it stopped considering new grant applications. However, 2024 looks as if it will a more promising year for the Foundation’s grant-making.

Funding is not available for:

o Applications for which there are existing official schemes of help.
o Assistance in purchasing musical instruments or equipment including the electronic or computer variety.
o Degree courses.
o Projects with a very large over-arching budget or where the budgeting is unclear or largely speculative, or
o Retrospective grants.

Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the Foundation’s website.

The Foundation’s next application deadline is Sunday 31st December 2023.