Backstage Trust
Could Backstage Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £2,000 – £50,000
- Where they fund
- England, Wales, UK
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Letter of inquiry first
- Decisions
- Bi annually
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Backstage Trust
Backstage Trust is an independent grant-making trust established in 2012 with a mission to champion live performing arts and music. Rooted in the belief that live performance is transformative, the Trust values access, diversity, inclusion, artistic excellence and professional development. They fund strategically, prioritising partnerships with arts charities that demonstrate strong governance, safeguarding and viability, and aim to build resilience, equity and long-term sustainability through catalytic funding. Their work covers England, Wales and select UK-wide initiatives, with a focus on under-supported communities and rural venues. The Trust is distinctive for its specialist performing arts expertise and its willingness to fund critical but often overlooked elements like technical upgrades and freelance resilience.
What Backstage Trust funds
The Trust supports performing arts initiatives that engage young people, including theatre productions, music programmes and youth jazz orchestras. They also fund community-led projects that promote participation and cohesion in under-represented areas, professional development for smaller and medium-scale arts organisations, freelance arts community support, and capital improvements such as accessibility upgrades and technical infrastructure. Their work covers England, Wales and select UK-wide initiatives, with a focus on under-supported communities and rural venues.
Who can apply
The Trust only works with registered charities and community interest companies. They prioritise partnerships with arts charities that demonstrate strong governance, safeguarding and viability. Their focus is on organisations advancing inclusion, opportunity, and professional growth in theatre, music, and live art across England, Wales, and select UK-wide initiatives.
What Backstage Trust doesn't fund
The Trust excludes funding for individuals, personal training fees, and non-arts activities, focusing instead on registered charities and community interest companies with proven safeguarding and project impact.
How they like to fund
The Trust funds strategically, prioritising partnerships with arts charities that demonstrate strong governance, safeguarding and viability, and aim to build resilience, equity and long-term sustainability through catalytic funding. They welcome unsolicited applications.
How much does Backstage Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Backstage Trust
Backstage Trust takes applications via letter of inquiry first.
- Decisions are typically bi annually.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Backstage Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Backstage Trust on the charity register
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as BACKSTAGE TRUST, charity number 1145887.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Backstage Trust provide?
Backstage Trust typically provides grants of £2,000 - £50,000.
Where does Backstage Trust fund charities?
Backstage Trust funds charities operating in England, Wales, UK.
Does Backstage Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Backstage Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Backstage Trust?
Backstage Trust takes applications via letter of inquiry first. Decisions are typically bi annually.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Backstage Trust be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.