We give grants for the performance, commissioning and recording of contemporary and experimental music in the UK.

Grant Types

One-off project grants (applications accepted at September, December, and March rounds)

• Generally range from £500 to £3,000.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom. Priority will be given to projects involving composers and activity based in the UK, though activity does not have to solely take place in the UK. 
• Applications may come from individuals, organisations, or charities.
• Projects must focus on the performance, commissioning (with confirmed performance) and/or recording of contemporary music.
• Links to the requested supporting information must be active and accessible to Trustees. Broken or password-protected links may disadvantage your application or result in it being rendered ineligible. 
• The Hinrichsen Foundation rarely supports applications where it is the sole funder of the work. Applicants are expected to indicate another source of income (either secured or projected e.g. ticket sales). 
• Applications for research or composer competition funding will not be considered.
• Applications from undergraduates will not be accepted.
• The Trustees do not reconsider applications that have previously been unsuccessful.

Aims and Criteria for Project Grants

Applications for Project Grants should:

• Align with The Hinrichsen Foundation’s values and objectives for contemporary and experimental music.  
• Express a clear programme of activity and project timeline, parameters, and outputs. Incomplete or unclear applications may be declined.
• Deliver high-quality projects for diverse audiences, prioritising cultivation of less familiar and experimental music appreciation.
• Embrace artistic risks and diversity.
• Encourage thoughtful collaboration among composers, musicians, and project leads.
• Ensure fair payment for composers and musicians, particularly in larger organisations. The foundation recognises grassroots initiatives may have a model closer to a profit or deficit share.
• Demonstrate the financial need and feasibility of the proposed project. The Foundation encourages the formation of partnerships and in-kind support for project success.

Trustee decisions are final. Re-applications for the same project will not be considered. The track record of the applicant in organising and executing similar projects may be taken into consideration (if applicable).

Additional Considerations

• We welcome applications that take artistic risks, promote diversity, and consider how this work can be sustained. Work that involves collaboration across artforms and disciplines is welcomed.
• Projects should involve thoughtful collaboration between composers, musicians, and those responsible for making this public. Projects that are composer- or artist-led are encouraged.
• Projects should pay composers and musicians responsibly, especially where projects are led by larger organisations (with turnover of £150K or more). 
• The Foundation encourages applicants to seek additional sources of funding and disclose them in the application. Projects without proper budget planning and consideration of ticket income, recording revenue, or other external income are unlikely to succeed.
• We want our contribution to projects to make a difference. Applications for small grants from large organisations may not be prioritised. 
• Applications for projects that focus on music education and music in healthcare must demonstrate their artistic focus.
• All projects – including recordings – should have a clear plan for promotion and for cultivating listeners.
• Trustees may request additional information or revisions to the application before making a final decision.

Personal Data Processing

If you have any queries regarding any personal information we hold about you, please address this to the General Manager by e-mail at hinrichsenmanager@hinrichsenfoundation.org.uk 

In making your application, you agree that we can disclose your (or your organisation’s) name and any grant paid to you (or your organisation) in any publication (electronic or otherwise), including annual accounts.

If you do not agree to this disclosure, please inform us in writing at the time of making the application.