The Trailblazer and Catalyser Funds offer grants to support organisations working with young people facing barriers to make, learn and earn in music.

Both funding programmes are offered by the Youth Music Network.

To be eligible for support applications must meet one of the following themes:

• Early years
• Disabled, deaf and neurodivergent young people
• Youth justice system
• Young people facing barriers
• Young adults
• Organisations and the workforce.

Organisations less than one year old can apply for a maximum grant of £15,000.

A minimum of 10% match funding is required.

The Trailblazer Fund offers grants of up £2,000 to £30,000 to people wanting to trial innovative ideas that test a new way of working or disrupt the status quo. This can include piloting new programmes, working with new technologies, or changing how things have always been done.

The closing date for Round 6 of this funding is 12 January 2024.

Notification will be given to applicants by 26 April 2024 and projects must start between May and June 2024.

The Catalyser Fund makes grants of between £30,001 and £300,000 for established organisations that support children and young people to make, learn and earn in music. This funding has a more detailed application process.

Expressions of Interest must be made by 10 May 2024, with a final application deadline of 9 August 2024. Programmes need to begin between December 2024 and February 2025.

Find out more about both the Trailblazer and Catalyser programmes at the Youth Music Network website.