Victoria Wood Foundation

The Foundation supports arts and cultural activities across the UK, with priorities guided by Victoria Wood's life and interests. They are particularly keen to fund causes that would have interested her, and applications from the areas where she lived — Greater Manchester (including Prestwich and Bury), North London, the Lake District and North Yorkshire. Within the arts, they emphasise performing arts such as theatre, music, dance and new writing. Grants are directed towards projects that reach local audiences, develop emerging talent and widen participation in the arts. Examples of funded activity include community theatre groups, inclusive music ensembles, dance workshops for underrepresented communities, and creative programmes that engage children, young people and families. The emphasis is on imaginative, locally-rooted initiatives rather than large-scale or mainstream work.

The Foundation funds registered charities and community groups working in the arts across the UK. They favour small, grassroots organisations rooted in their local communities, particularly those with a creative and inclusive approach. While the Foundation is open to applications from anywhere in the UK, they have a particular interest in projects based in the regions where Victoria Wood lived. Their grants are intended to benefit children, young people, families and underrepresented groups, helping to widen access to the arts. Organisations should be able to demonstrate clear community relevance and a commitment to creative engagement. The Foundation does not fund individuals or statutory bodies.

The Foundation does not fund individuals, courses of study, expeditions or travel abroad, or general appeals. They also exclude youth and community associations (in general), retrospective funding, and statutory bodies including education and health services. Places of worship or organisations that promote religion, as well as animal, wildlife, heritage and environmental causes, are outside their remit. Theatrical productions are also not supported.

The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Grants are made to support arts and cultural activities, with a particular interest in locally-rooted, imaginative projects that reflect Victoria Wood's creative spirit. They tend to support small, grassroots initiatives rather than large institutions.