Theatres Trust Charitable Fund

The Fund supports capital works and equipment for theatre buildings across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This includes building repairs, plant and machinery installations, and digital upgrades that improve accessibility, sustainability, or resilience. Specific priorities include improving environmental sustainability and strengthening theatres at risk through strategic development, skills development, and viability work. The Fund also supports seating upgrades and initiatives that help groups secure the future of their theatre. All funding is for projects that directly benefit the general public through improved theatre venues.

Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, social enterprises, and local authorities or town and borough councils can apply. The Fund welcomes applications from not-for-profit organisations operating theatre venues. Organisations must be charitable or not-for-profit in nature. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

The Fund does not support revenue costs, feasibility studies, salaries, core costs, or works already started before a funding decision. Organisations primarily operating as cinemas or music venues are not eligible. Applicants who have previously received a grant from the Theatres Trust must wait 12 months after submitting a Final Evaluation Report for that award before reapplying.

The Fund makes grants for capital projects only, typically as one-off awards rather than recurring funding. Match funding is not required, though partnership funding must be demonstrated if a project costs more than the grant amount. The Fund welcomes unsolicited applications and works through open programmes with specific themes.