Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust and delivered by Theatres Trust provides up to £7,500 to not-for-profit theatres in the UK. It funds small-scale capital projects that improve sustainability, accessibility, and long-term resilience of theatre buildings. The programme prioritizes essential infrastructure upgrades that strengthen theatre operations and audience inclusion.
What is the Programme?
The Small Grants Programme is a targeted funding initiative designed to support not-for-profit theatres across the United Kingdom. It focuses on improving theatre infrastructure, enhancing audience accessibility, strengthening long-term sustainability, and supporting diverse and inclusive participation.
Key Objective
To ensure theatres remain operational, resilient, and accessible while continuing to serve their communities through live performances.
Key Focus Areas
What Does the Grant Support?
The programme funds capital improvements (physical upgrades), not operational expenses.
Core Areas of Support:
- Theatre building sustainability improvements
- Accessibility upgrades (ramps, seating, facilities)
- Audience diversity initiatives (removing physical barriers)
- Essential plant and machinery upgrades
- Digital infrastructure improvements
- Small-scale capital works
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Up to £7,500 per project
Funding Priorities
Projects are prioritized if:
- Total project cost is under £250,000
- The grant is the only external funding source
- The project has clear long-term impact
What is NOT Funded?
- Revenue or operational costs
- Surveys or feasibility studies
- Software purchases
- General administrative expenses
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a not-for-profit theatre organization
- Be based in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
- Own or manage a theatre building with a lease or ownership of more than 5 years
- Run a year-round programme with at least 30 live performances annually
- Provide audited or certified accounts for at least 2 years
Ineligible Applicants
- Commercial theatres
- Organizations without long-term building control
- Groups without consistent programming
Why This Grant Matters
Strengthening Theatre Sustainability
This programme helps theatres maintain safe and functional spaces, upgrade aging infrastructure, and improve energy efficiency.
Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion
It removes barriers for disabled audiences and expands reach to diverse communities.
Supporting Cultural Ecosystems
It ensures local theatres survive and grow while encouraging community engagement and participation.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify Project Needs
Define a clear infrastructure or capital improvement need and ensure alignment with programme priorities.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Include project description, budget breakdown, financial accounts (last 2 years), and proof of building ownership or lease.
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through the Theatres Trust application system and ensure all required documents are complete.
Step 4: Review Process
Applications are assessed based on impact, feasibility, financial need, and alignment with programme goals.
Step 5: Grant Award and Implementation
Selected projects receive funding and implement upgrades within agreed timelines.
Key Concepts Explained
What are Capital Improvements?
Capital improvements refer to physical upgrades or investments such as building repairs, equipment installation, and infrastructure modernization.
What is Theatre Resilience?
Theatre resilience is the ability of a theatre to sustain operations long-term, adapt to challenges, and continue serving audiences effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for operational or salary costs
- Submitting incomplete financial documents
- Proposing projects without clear long-term impact
- Ignoring eligibility criteria
- Requesting funding for non-capital items
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Focus on clear, measurable impact
- Demonstrate community benefit
- Show how the project improves accessibility or sustainability
- Keep the budget realistic and detailed
- Align the proposal with programme priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum funding amount?
Up to £7,500 per project.
2. Can the grant cover staff salaries or operational costs?
No, only capital improvements are funded.
3. Are digital upgrades eligible?
Yes, if they relate to infrastructure improvements, not software purchases.
4. Do theatres need to own their building?
No, but they must have a lease or ownership of more than 5 years.
5. How many performances are required annually?
At least 30 live performances per year.
6. Can commercial theatres apply?
No, only not-for-profit theatres are eligible.
7. What documents are required?
Project details, budget, and at least two years of audited or certified accounts.
Conclusion
The Small Grants Programme provides essential funding for not-for-profit theatres to improve infrastructure, accessibility, and sustainability. By supporting targeted capital projects, it helps theatres remain resilient, inclusive, and capable of delivering long-term cultural value to their communities.
For more information, visit Theatres Trust.