Applying to Trusts & Foundations

Some £2 billion is distributed to charities in the UK each year through trusts and foundations. About 30% of this money is given to arts and recreation-based organisations (source: Association of Charitable Foundations), largely to one-off projects and initiatives which benefit socially disadvantaged and minority groups.

Grant-making trusts and foundations adhere to the same laws as other UK charities and must be registered with the Charity Commission. The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the main starting point for any inquiry about applying for donations.

20 Bedford Way have compiled a fantastically useful article of funders and funding bodies who support theatre productions. In most cases, when it comes to funding, you will need to fulfil a set of criteria for the funder but do so without losing sight of your idea. The agendas of the funders and levels of accountability required vary between organisations and are also worth bearing in mind. View Theatre Funding: Complete Guide. 

There is a helpful website called Grant Nav which helps individuals and organisations to identify charitable trusts in the UK.

IETM (International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts) has compiled a Fund Finder – a guide to funding opportunities for arts and culture in Europe.

 

Below is a list of some major UK Trusts and Foundations involved in charitable donations to the arts.

There are many others in existence, however THE DIRECTORY OF SOCIAL CHANGE is a good information source.

Association of Charitable Foundations

2 Plough Yard
Shoreditch High Street
London
EC2A 3LP
Tel: 020 7422 8600
Fax: 020 7422 8606

 

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

18 Queen Anne’s Gate
London
SW1H 9AA
Tel: 020 7227 3500
Fax: 020 7222 0601
Email: information@phf.org.uk

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – UK Branch

98 Portland Square
London
W1B 1ET
Tel: 020 7636 5313
Fax: 020 7908 7580
Email: info@gulbenkian.org.uk

Baring Foundation

60 London Wall
London
EC2M 5TQ
Tel: 020 7767 1348
Fax: 020 7767 7121
Email: baring.foundation@uk.ing.com

Jerwood Charitable Foundation

22 Fitzroy Square
London
W1T 6EN
Email: info@jerwood.org

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation

11 Park Place
London
SW1A 1LP
Tel: 020 7812 3700
Fax: 020 7812 3701
Email: info@esmeefairbairn.org.uk

Clore Duffield Foundation

Studio 3
Chelsea Manor Studios
Flood Street
London
SW3 5SR
Tel: 020 7351 6061
Fax: 020 7351 5308
Email: cloreduffield@aol.com