National Foundation for Youth Music

Youth Music supports participatory music-making, skills development, and progression pathways for children and young people. The Trust funds projects that are co-designed and youth-led, focusing on grassroots and community-led work. It operates across all four UK nations. Priority is given to initiatives that address barriers such as poverty, disability, or lack of opportunity. The Trust values equality, empowerment, creativity, collaboration, and learning, and seeks to fund work that amplifies marginalised voices and builds resilience through music. Projects may include music education, creation, performance, and digital music-making, as long as they are participatory and aimed at those facing disadvantage.

Registered charities, social enterprises, community interest companies, and community groups are eligible to apply. Youth Music prioritises organisations that work with children and young people facing barriers such as poverty, disability, or lack of opportunity. The Trust favours grassroots and community-led groups, and there is no restriction on religious context. Applications are welcomed from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The focus is on projects that are co-designed with young people and that address the specific needs of disadvantaged communities.

Youth Music does not provide funding for activities that are not music-related. It also does not support work that does not specifically target children and young people who are experiencing barriers such as poverty, disability, or a lack of opportunity. Projects that are purely commercial or that do not involve participatory music-making are not eligible. The Trust also excludes initiatives that are not focused on the priority groups outlined above, meaning general community work without a clear music-making element aimed at disadvantaged young people is not funded.

Youth Music awards grants for participatory music projects, skills development, and progression pathways. The Trust favours co-designed, youth-led initiatives and encourages unsolicited applications. Funding is directed towards grassroots and community-led work, with a focus on projects that involve young people in decision-making. The Trust supports project costs and prioritises work that addresses barriers to music-making. It operates across the UK and welcomes applications from organisations that align with its values of equality, empowerment, creativity, collaboration, and learning.