Jazz Midlands

Jazz Midlands is a registered charity established on 22 March 2022 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, dedicated to promoting the art of jazz music for public benefit exclusively within England's Midlands region. Its core mission focuses on strengthening the not-for-profit jazz infrastructure through grants for training, professional development, capacity building, and partnerships that enable high-quality public performances of contemporary jazz. Governed by eight trustees and supported by 92 volunteers, it embodies values of excellence, inclusivity, access, and diversity, proactively fostering collaborations with venues, museums, libraries, and Music Education Hubs to expand participation and sector sustainability.

The funder prioritises not-for-profit music organisations and voluntary-led jazz promoters delivering consistent public performances, investing in organisational development, promoter training, venue networks, artist growth, and inclusive delivery partnerships. It targets grassroots efforts advancing jazz's artistic, educational, and community impact, with a philosophy of long-term ecosystem building over short-term projects.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups based strictly in the Midlands (West Midlands, Birmingham, and surrounding counties), favouring small to medium entities with modest incomes; commercial operators, individuals, or national organisations are ineligible. Funding is invite-only—no unsolicited applications—with decisions made at quarterly trustee meetings and no public deadlines or forms.

Typical grants range from £2,000 to £10,000 annually, channelled entirely into charitable activities without reserves. Distinctively, Jazz Midlands avoids project-only, capital, or short-term funding, emphasising proactive regional leadership, evidence-based governance, and enduring partnerships for professional growth and diverse access to jazz.