Continuo Foundation

The Foundation supports period-instrument music projects across the UK. Funded activities include live concerts, tours, recordings, films, outreach, and educational events. They also fund equipment, training, research, and salaries as part of project delivery. Priority is given to projects of outstanding artistic merit that create meaningful work for freelance period musicians and bring music to audiences nationwide, particularly in underserved regions or unconventional venues. The aim is to engage and inspire people and enrich communities through historically informed performance.

Eligible applicants are professional UK-resident period-instrument ensembles with three or more instrumentalists. Organisations can be registered charities, unincorporated associations, CIOs, CLGs, social enterprises, or community benefit societies. Both established and emerging groups are welcome. The Foundation prioritises projects that create meaningful work for freelance period musicians and reach audiences across the UK, especially in areas with limited access to period-instrument music.

The Foundation does not fund individuals, non-period-instrument ensembles, or projects outside the UK. Ensembles with fewer than three instrumentalists are not eligible. Capital works, core costs, feasibility studies, emergency funding, and transport are excluded. Projects that have already taken place cannot be supported. Schools and faith groups are also not eligible to apply.

Continuo Foundation offers one-off project grants and does not require match funding. They welcome unsolicited applications. Grants support project delivery costs including salaries, equipment, training, and research, but not core costs or capital works.