Youth Music reports a dramatic 33% increase in funding applications from creative organisations in the last 12 months. This reflects a sector-wide shortfall in funding post-pandemic.
Responding to demand far outpacing supply, national music charity Youth Music has refined its application process with the launch of two funds, unlocking vital resources for music-making projects. The Catalyser and Trailblazer funds are funded through the National Lottery via Arts Council England. With a total investment of £8.9m, each will support music organisations to help more children and young people make, learn, and earn in music.
Youth Music has refined its process in consultation with beneficiaries – making it quicker, easier, and more accessible – to ensure it best meets the evolving needs of the sector.
The two funds
Youth Music Trailblazer Fund
Trailblazer focusses on innovating the way people experience music-making. The fund is aimed at organisations trialling a new project, testing new ways of working or disrupting the status quo. Offering grants between £2,000 and £30,000, Youth Music is seeking applications from innovative organisations who tackle barriers to music access faced by children and young people.
Youth Music Catalyser Fund
Catalyser is aimed at organisations who want to accelerate positive change – by scaling up delivery of current projects, creating change in sector practice, or sustaining projects longer-term. Offering significant grants between £30,000 and £300,000, Catalyser is for inspiring projects that aim to make the sector more inclusive for young people facing barriers to music.
Embracing a shift in funding culture
The amount of funding requested from Youth Music almost doubled last year. This skyrocketing demand means competition is fiercer than ever. As a result, Youth Music is calling for increased sector-wide funding and more streamlined application processes. Applicants to Youth Music have helped to design the new funds and will inform the funding decisions. This shift will make life easier for applicants and ensure music-making opportunities are open for the children and young people who need them the most.
Keith Sykes was a consultant on Youth Music’s fund refinement project. He says:
“It is amazing to see a funder actively listening to and seeking out the views from people working across grassroots music. It was so positive to be part of such a diverse panel, drawing on their experience from across the sector. We were all given space to share ideas and explore how we make the application process as accessible and inclusive as possible."
Carol Reid, Programme Director at Youth Music, says:
“At Youth Music, we’ve seen first-hand how music has the power to change lives, especially for those who face barriers to access. We’re now seeing an unprecedented demand from creative organisations who often provide a lifeline to the young people they work with, but struggle for vital funding.
“By simplifying our application process, in consultation with the people we’re there to support, we can help equalise access to funding. It’s time for a step-change. By funders putting people at the heart of design and decision-making, they can open up access and ultimately, benefit more children and young people.”
The Youth Music Recharge Fund, launched in 2021, saw £13 million worth of applications for a one-off fund of £1.75m. Forty successful applicants have recently been announced.
For more information about the Youth Music’s Trailblazer fund please visit: https://youthmusic.org.uk/trailblazer-fund
