April: funding opportunities & competitions

RS RS Foundation - Composers' Fund

UK composers seeking to advance their careers both nationally and internationally can apply for grants ranging from £8,000 to £15,000 are available, helping recipients with activities such as recordings, performances, international collaborations and other creative and professional development opportunities. Deadline: 1st Apr. More info here.

Screen Scotland - National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund

Grants between £15,000 and £45,000 available for organisations in Scotland producing film festivals and screening programmes that increase the reach and diversity of screen culture. Open to Scotland-based organisations producing film festivals or curated screening programmes. In-person events must take place in Scotland, though digital components can be included for audiences who cannot attend in person. The fund will close on 12 January 2026 or when fully allocated. There are three application deadlines, with the next on 24 April 2025. More info here. 

The Brit Trust

Funding is available for organisations that use the power of music and the creative arts to improve the lives of young people of all backgrounds across the UK. This funding supports music and arts initiatives that promote education, wellbeing, and community engagement, helping individuals realise their full potential, regardless of ability, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Deadline: 30 April 2025. More info here.

QEST and Heritage Crafts Sustainability Award

Recognises craftspeople across the UK who have taken significant steps to reduce their environmental impact and improve the sustainability of their craft practices. Anyone can nominate a craftsperson or micro-business, including self-nominations, for the QEST and Heritage Crafts Sustainability Award. Each winner will receive a £1,000 prize and an invitation to attend a prestigious awards ceremony hosted by Heritage Crafts. Deadline: Tuesday 1 July. More info here. 

Aesthetica Creative Writing Award

Open to Poetry and Short Fiction submissions on any theme, however, they are particularly interested in works that reflect upon our ever changing world. The winners in each category will receive a £2,500 cash prize, with a total prize fund of £5,000. Additionally, selected entries will be published in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual, providing further exposure for entrants. Deadline: 31 August. More info here.

The Cruach Trust

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to small Scottish charitable organisations to support environmental, community and music projects. Applications are considered once a year and the next deadline for applications is 12 September 2025. Find out more here.

Michael Tippett Musical Foundation

Grants of between £500 and £3,000 for groups across the UK to support the following objectives:

• To award grants to support the development of group music-making especially involving young people, with composing central to the project.

• To support the performance or recording of works by Michael Tippet.

Deadline: 30 Sept. More info here.

Maker Relief Fund

The Maker Relief Fund is offering grants to UK-based professional craftspeople facing financial hardship. Grants of £1,000 will be awarded to 50 eligible applicants. Deadline: October 2025. More info here.

Music for All Community Project Funding Programme

Grants are available to community groups, schools and individuals under a number of different categories, each with their own criteria and award amounts. More info here