Amber Trust

Could Amber Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Applications: Existing partners only
Decisions: Quarterly

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

About Amber Trust

The Amber Trust is a UK national charity founded in 1995 by Professor Adam Ockelford. It empowers blind and partially sighted children and young people up to age 18, including those with additional or complex disabilities, by providing exceptional music opportunities. The Trust's mission is to foster personal growth, social inclusion, and musical fulfilment, rooted in the belief that visual impairment should not be a barrier to music. Its core values emphasise equality, empowerment, and lifelong impact through tailored provision. The Trust delivers bespoke services such as Little Amber and AmberPlus, and collaborates with special schools and partner charities. It funds individual Music Awards covering lessons, technology, instruments, and concert access, focusing on direct individual needs. It is the UK's sole national funder dedicated to the musical aspirations of visually impaired young people.

What Amber Trust funds

The Trust supports music activities for blind and partially sighted young people across the United Kingdom. Funding covers instrumental and vocal lessons, specialised music technology, instrument purchases, concert tickets, music therapy, and related travel and accommodation. Specific programmes include Little Amber for children aged up to five and AmberPlus for those with complex needs aged five to eighteen. The Trust also works with special schools, the RNIB, and other charities to deliver workshops and resources. All funding is directed to individual award holders rather than organisations, and is available to residents in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Who can apply

The Amber Trust supports blind and partially sighted children and young people up to age 18, including those with additional or complex disabilities. Funding is awarded to individuals, with applications made by parents, carers, or young people aged 16 or over. Only re-applications from existing award holders are considered; unsolicited applications are not accepted. The Trust works through partnerships with schools and charities to deliver services, but eligibility for Music Awards is limited to individuals who have previously received support. The scheme is UK-wide.

What Amber Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not fund statutory services, non-music activities, or disability-specific aid that is not music-related. It also does not provide organisational core costs or project grants. Its support is exclusively for individual needs within its music focus, and it does not accept unsolicited applications from new applicants.

How they like to fund

The Amber Trust provides individual Music Awards that cover a range of music-related costs. It funds through a re-application model for existing award holders only, and works by invitation or through established partnerships rather than open calls. The Trust also runs its own programmes in collaboration with schools and charities, and offers bespoke services tailored to age and need. Funding is directed to the child or young person's direct requirements.

How much does Amber Trust give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Amber Trust’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youthDisabilityArts & culture

How to apply to Amber Trust

Amber Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
Decisions are typically quarterly.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Amber Trust.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Amber Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Amber Trust provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Amber Trust directly for current funding levels.

Where does Amber Trust fund charities?

Amber Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Amber Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Amber Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Amber Trust?

Amber Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.