Open Call: Youth Music Trailblazer Fund (United Kingdom)

The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund provides grants of £2,000 to £30,000 to organisations in England delivering innovative music projects for children and young people aged 25 or under. The fund supports activities that help young people make, learn, and earn through music, with priority for underserved groups including disabled, d/Deaf, neurodivergent young people, and those facing social or economic barriers.

About the Youth Music Trailblazer Fund

The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund supports organisations in England that create opportunities for young people to engage with music through participation, learning, creativity, and employment pathways.

The fund is designed to support projects that:

• Test new approaches to youth music
• Develop innovative ways of working
• Strengthen grassroots music programmes
• Challenge existing barriers within the music sector
• Create opportunities for young people to make, learn, and earn in music

Projects should contribute to a more inclusive and accessible music environment for young people.

Funding Details

The fund provides:

• Minimum grant: £2,000
• Maximum grant: £30,000
• Project duration: 6 to 24 months

Funding can support projects that introduce new ideas, improve existing programmes, or develop sustainable approaches to youth music participation.

Key Focus Areas

The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund prioritises projects supporting:

Early Years

Projects helping young children develop creativity, confidence, and musical skills through early engagement with music.

Disabled, d/Deaf and Neurodivergent Young People

Projects improving access, inclusion, and participation opportunities for young people with disabilities, hearing differences, or neurodivergent identities.

Young People Involved with the Youth Justice System

Activities supporting young people affected by the justice system through positive music engagement and creative development.

Young People Facing Barriers

Projects supporting young people experiencing barriers linked to social, economic, geographic, or personal circumstances.

Young Adults

Initiatives helping young adults develop musical skills, creative careers, and pathways into employment.

Organisations and Workforce Development

Projects strengthening the capacity, skills, and sustainability of organisations and professionals working in youth music.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organisations based in England that:

• Work with children and young people aged 25 or under
• Deliver or manage youth music activities
• Are actively involved in project planning, management, or delivery
• Can demonstrate commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing

Organisations may work independently or collaborate with partner organisations.

Project Requirements

Supported projects must:

• Take place in England
• Benefit young people aged 25 or under
• Align with one or more Youth Music Trailblazer Fund themes
• Prioritise safety, wellbeing, and rights of participants
• Demonstrate meaningful involvement of the applying organisation

Projects may focus on:

• Music creation
• Music learning
• Creative development
• Career pathways in music
• Inclusive music participation
• Workforce development

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may support activities that:

• Trial new youth music approaches
• Test alternative delivery methods
• Expand grassroots music programmes
• Create inclusive opportunities for underserved groups
• Develop new models for music education and participation
• Improve access to music-making opportunities

Who Cannot Apply?

The following organisations are not eligible:

• Schools and academies
• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
• Special schools
• Colleges
• Multi-Academy Trusts
• Single-Academy Trusts

However, targeted projects delivered in partnership with schools may be eligible, especially when focused on:

• Special schools
• PRUs
• Alternative provision settings

Activities Not Funded

The fund does not support:

• Whole-class music tuition in mainstream schools
• Individual instrument tuition fees in schools
• GCSE Music activities
• A Level Music activities
• Standard school music curriculum activities

Exceptions may apply for activities delivered within:

• Special schools
• Pupil Referral Units
• Alternative education settings

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Project Idea

Create a project plan that explains:

• The young people being supported
• The challenges being addressed
• The music activities being delivered
• The expected outcomes and impact

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Confirm that:

• The organisation is based in England
• The project supports young people aged 25 or under
• The activities match the fund themes
• The organisation can manage or deliver the project

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information

Applicants should prepare details about:

• Organisation background
• Project objectives
• Delivery plan
• Budget requirements
• Safeguarding approach
• Expected impact

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications should be submitted according to the fund’s application process and requirements.

Why This Fund Matters

Many young people face barriers to accessing music opportunities due to disability, economic circumstances, social challenges, or limited local provision.

The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund helps organisations create inclusive music opportunities that:

• Build confidence and creativity
• Support personal development
• Improve access to music education
• Create pathways into creative careers
• Strengthen community-based music programmes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing projects unrelated to youth music
• Failing to explain how young people will benefit
• Submitting activities that are part of normal school curriculum delivery
• Ignoring safeguarding responsibilities
• Not demonstrating organisational involvement in delivery
• Designing projects without clear outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Youth Music Trailblazer Fund?

The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund provides grants to organisations in England supporting young people through innovative music projects.

2. How much funding can organisations receive?

Organisations can apply for grants between £2,000 and £30,000.

3. Who can benefit from funded projects?

Projects must support children and young people aged 25 or under.

4. How long can projects run?

Projects can last between 6 and 24 months.

5. Are schools eligible to apply?

No. Schools, academies, colleges, and academy trusts cannot apply directly. However, targeted projects delivered with schools, particularly special schools and PRUs, may be eligible.

6. What types of music activities are supported?

The fund supports activities that help young people make, learn, and earn in music, including creative projects, skills development, and career pathways.

7. Does the fund support individual music lessons in schools?

No. Individual instrument tuition fees and whole-class music tuition in schools are not supported.

Conclusion

The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund provides important financial support for organisations creating inclusive and innovative music opportunities for young people across England. By supporting new ideas, grassroots programmes, and underserved communities, the fund helps young people develop creativity, skills, confidence, and pathways into the music sector.