The Wolfson Foundation is offering grants to support performing arts organisations with an outstanding artistic programme to improve their performance and training facilities.

The Foundation generally award grants towards:

o The refurbishment of artists’ facilities such as dressing rooms or other backstage spaces.
o The refurbishing of auditorium facilities such as seating and rehearsal spaces, and
o 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 £15,000-£150,000. Please note that a matched funding contribution is expected for this programme.

Projects must have a total cost of at least £250,000 and have at least one of the following aims:

o Better teaching, education and rehearsal facilities.
o Conservation of architectural heritage.
o Improved future sustainability of the organisation
o Improved quality of performance venues, and
o Increased audience numbers

To be eligible to apply for grant support, organisations should:

o Be able to demonstrate a track record of producing work of national significance.
o Receive significant funding under one of the following:
> Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.
> Arts Portfolio Wales.
> Creative Scotland’s Regular Funding Network.
> Arts Council Northern Ireland’s Annual Funding Programme.

Funding is not available for:

o Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts, expeditions, conferences, lectures, etc.
o Film, websites or promotional materials.
o Grants direct to individuals.
o Grants through conduit organisations.
o Non-specific appeals (including circulars) and endowment funds.
o Overheads, maintenance costs and VAT.
o Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award
o Purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building’s freehold).
o Repayment of loans.
o Running costs, including vehicle fuel and maintenance, or
o Salary costs.

The Foundation has a 2-stage application process with the following key dates:

1. Opens to Stage 1 applications on Sunday 14th May 2023.
2. Stage 1 application deadline: Saturday 1st July 2023 at 23:59.
3. Stage 2 application deadline: Friday 1st September 2023 at 23:59.
4. Funding decisions: December 2023.

Further information, guidance and details about how to apply is available on the Wolfson Foundation website.