PRS Foundation
The UK's biggest funder of new music: the Open Fund pays up to £5,000 per project for UK-based creators across genres, plus International Showcase Fund money for playing SXSW-class events abroad.
- Best for
- UK creators funding a release, tour or showcase slot. UK-based creators with original music, an established track record and a well-developed project that could meaningfully advance their career. Different funds cover emerging artists, breakthrough acts, composers, behind-the-scenes writers and underrepresented creators.
- Skip if
- Not UK-based — see Initiative Musik (DE) or New Music USA. You are based outside the UK, perform but do not help write original music, are in full-time education, need guaranteed funding or cannot demonstrate career momentum and a credible project plan.
- First move
- Match your project to the right fund before the deadline window. Use the eligibility checker to identify the correct fund, then build an application around one defined career step. Include strong music, measurable progress, a realistic budget, confirmed partners and evidence that the project needs funding.
- Watch out
- Programs have different career-stage and eligibility requirements, and applying to the wrong one wastes a limited application opportunity. The Open Fund approves roughly 10% of applications, permits one application per calendar year and does not allow an unsuccessful project to be resubmitted. Funding decisions can take months, and some grants require confirmed income from other sources.
- Reach
- Established
- When
- Worth it once you have releases out.
- Based in
- United Kingdom