How to apply for music funding in 2023
Keep up-to-date with the latest music funding and grants available to independent musicians across the globe. Our Music Funding Map is regularly updated with new opportunities to help you receive amazing grants and take your music to the next level.
by Ditto Music
Scroll through our Music Funding Map’s list of grants for your creative projects and make sure to fully and correctly fill out any funds that catch your eye.
Don’t forget to also stay up-to-date with the latest performance opportunities from around the world and apply to play at festivals and events.
Apply for music funding across the world
Apply for funding and grants in the UK & Europe
NextGen Fund | United Kingdom | Apply here
Catalyser Fund | United Kingdom | Apply here
Trailblazer Fund | United Kingdom | Apply here
Steve Reid InNOVAtion Award | United Kingdom | Apply here
International Showcase Fund | United Kingdom | Apply here
Women Make Music | United Kingdom | Apply here
PRS – Hitmaker Fund | United Kingdom | Apply here
Help Musicians UK | United Kingdom | Apply here
PRS Foundation | United Kingdom | Apply here
Musicians Union | United Kingdom | Apply here
British Council | United Kingdom | Apply here
Anthem. | Wales | Apply here
Creative Scotland | Scotland | Apply here
Arts Council England | England | Apply here
Music Capital Scheme | Ireland | Apply here
Jazz and New Music Creative Grant | France | Opens later in the year
Jazz and New Music Touring Grant | France | Opens later in the year
Apply for funding and grants in the USA and Canada
New Music USA | USA | Apply here
National Endowment for the Arts | USA | Apply here
BMI Foundation | USA | Apply here
Factor | Canada | Apply here
Apply for funding and grants in Australia, Africa & Asia
Australia Council for the Arts | Australia | Apply here
APRA AMCOS | Australia | Apply here
Independent Artists or Groups Fund | Australia | Apply here
Touring Support | Australia | Apply here
Live Music Events Fund | Adelaide, Australia | Apply here
Sound Connects Fund | Southern Africa | Apply here
Music in Africa Foundation | Africa | Apply here
Tote Board Arts Fund | Singapore | Apply here
Music fund application tips
Arts grants are a great option for creative professionals looking to fund their music career, especially as you usually won’t have to pay anything back. These grants aren’t available to just anyone though and they can be incredibly competitive, so you’ll need to prove you deserve the money and demonstrate how you’ll use it.
It’s important not to just send out loads of random blanket applications too. Before you’ve filled out anything, make sure you qualify for each grant and tailor your application as such. Try to understand exactly what the funder is looking for before sending anything off.
As with any application, it’s always best to use simple, easy to understand language and make why you deserve the funding as clear as possible. You don’t want to confuse those reading your application so take your time and check things over until you’re 100% sure it meets every requirement.
Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your applications:
Provide EVERYTHING the form is asking for
Plan what you’ll use the funds for
Organise your artist documents – ready for uploading (think file formats)
Stay positive and cross those fingers!
Receiving funding can be a really difficult and competitive process, but can also land you amazing backing to continue making music. Try not to get disheartened if you don’t receive a grant you apply for – remember there are so many talented independent artists applying for these schemes too.
The key is to keep going, work hard on promoting yourself and don’t give up!
