Performing Arts Capital Grants is a grant from The Wolfson Foundation that funds UK performing arts organisations seeking to improve their training and education facilities. Grants of £50,000–£150,000 are awarded toward building or refurbishment projects, with occasional support for specialist equipment. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or local authorities focused primarily on professional performance.

Applications follow a two-stage process; Stage 2 requires at least 25% of capital costs to be secured. Priority is given to training organisations, large- to mid-scale venues, and projects with dedicated education facilities. The deadline for the current cycle is July 1, 2026.

Funding for performing arts organisations Funding for performing arts organisations Funding for performing arts organisations We provide funding for performing arts organisations to improve their training and education facilities. We generally award grants towards the building or refurbishment of these facilities, and occasionally towards the purchase of related specialist equipment.

Your organisation should: be operated by a registered charity or a local authority be focussed on professional performance and the performing arts should constitute the vast majority, if not the sole focus, of its activities be able to make a case for the significance of its education work within the sector. For applicants that operate a venue, the significance of its artistic programme will also be taken into account.

Your project should be focussed on improving the quality of training and education facilities and represent a strategic priority for the organisation.

It can also have one or more of the following additional aims: Better engagement with audiences Increased numbers of participants Improved future sustainability of the organisation Conservation of architectural heritage When we receive a high level of interest in this programme, we will prioritise applications from training organisations or large- to mid-scale venues, and projects that concern dedicated facilities for education.

Community and multi-arts centres are unlikely to be eligible for funding through this programme and are encouraged to look instead at the Theatres Trust Wolfson Theatre Improvement Scheme.

Other programmes that may be of interest Historic buildings & landscapes Theatres Trust Wolfson Theatre Improvement Scheme Examples of ineligible projects and costs include: Purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building’s freehold) Grants direct to individuals Grants through conduit organisations Overheads, maintenance costs and VAT Non-specific appeals (including circulars) and endowment funds Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts, expeditions, conferences, lectures, etc. Running costs, including vehicle fuel and maintenance Film, websites or promotional materials Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award We run a two-stage application process.

Submit your Stage 1 application via our online application system . At this stage, we ask for a brief description of the project, including the total cost, the current funding shortfall and the proposed timetable. It is important that your application has the backing of the institution and so we ask you to confirm that you have the support of your Chief Executive or equivalent.

Applications for clinical research connected to a university and an NHS Trust also should have the formal approval of the relevant university. See the list of questions asked at Stage 1 . We also ask for audited accounts for the past two years with your online application.

The accounts should relate to the ongoing underlying operating activities of the organisation itself and not a related fundraising arm or charity. We carry out a financial appraisal of all applications and we may ask you to answer specific questions or provide further financial information. If your Stage 1 application is successful, we will invite you to submit a Stage 2 application.

Stage 2 applications are by invitation only . You will be invited to submit your Stage 2 application via our online application system. Unless we have agreed otherwise, at least 25% of the capital costs of the project must be raised before you submit your Stage 2 application (unless the project cost is under £50,000) and any necessary planning permission should be in place.

Read guidance on what to include in a Stage 2 application . Our expert reviewers read Stage 2 applications. You will have the opportunity to respond if they have further questions.

Our expert panels then consider applications and make recommendations to our trustees . Universities and large charities with more than one site may reapply more frequently. Please contact us before submitting your application to discuss your situation.

If you have been turned down at Stage 1, you can submit a new application for a different project at any time. Please make sure that your new application meets our eligibility criteria. If you have questions about whether your new project is eligible, please do contact us for advice.

If you have been turned down at Stage 2, please wait at least one year before submitting a new application for a different project. We do not normally consider the same project twice, whether or not funding was awarded. We run two funding rounds each year.

The key dates are: Open to Stage 1 applications: 20 November, 00. 01 Stage 1 application deadline: 5 January, 23. 59 Stage 2 application deadline: 1 March, 23.

59 Open to Stage 1 applications: 14 May, 00. 01 Stage 1 application deadline: 1 July, 23. 59 Stage 2 application deadline: 1 September, 23.

59 Funding decision: December If a deadline date falls during a weekend, we are happy to accept applications that arrive by 9am on the following Monday. Grants are not made retrospectively , and so your project must be ongoing at the time that a funding decision is made (i.e. June or December). Unless otherwise agreed, your invitation to Stage 2 will remain open for three funding rounds.

If your Stage 1 application is successful, your invitation will specify the latest date on which you can submit a Stage 2 application. Registered or exempt charity (or equivalent) or local authority Location of applicant and project: New build, refurbishment and major equipment to improve training and education facilities​ Yes, if project cost is >£50,000 June and December annually.

Projects must not be completed before a funding decision is made Wolfson funding programme: Heritage, Humanities & the Arts Ready to start application? If you have checked you are eligible and understand the application process and timescale, you can start your application. Start your application Apply for funding Returning to your application?

Applicant login Continue an application Please contact us if you have a question about applying. Email: grants@wolfson. org.

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