Submissions open for the Hitmaker Fund (UK)

The PRS Foundation Hitmaker Fund provides £5,000–£10,000 to UK-based non-performing songwriters and producers to support career development at critical stages. The fund supports activities such as studio hire, creative development, training, and childcare, while excluding major label-supported costs and touring. Applicants must demonstrate an established track record with professional credits and submit applications by the deadline for expert panel review.

Overview of the Hitmaker Fund

The PRS Foundation Hitmaker Fund supports behind-the-scenes songwriters and producers in popular music genres to advance their creative and professional careers. The program targets individuals at a pivotal career stage who have demonstrated professional achievement and clarity on the next steps in their career trajectory. Funding aims to enable growth through focused creative projects, skill development, and professional opportunities.

Funding Details

• Funding Amount: £5,000–£10,000 per application

• Supported Activities Include:

  • Dedicated creative time for songwriting or production

  • Training, skills development, and creative mentoring

  • Studio hire, tracking, and limited equipment or software purchases

  • Maternity leave and childcare support

  • Evidence-based international activities supporting creative growth

• Excluded Activities:

  • Vehicle purchases, studio construction, or capital projects

  • International touring

  • Projects already covered by existing label, publishing, or management agreements

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be UK-based and registered with PRS for Music with a CAE number

• Work as non-performing songwriters or producers contributing to songwriting and credited as writers

• Demonstrate an established track record with:

  • At least five credited works registered with PRS for Music

  • At least two commercially exploited works submitted for assessment

• Not be signed to major label or major publishing deals

• Focus applications on a single songwriter or producer

• Provide a clear plan for how funding will advance their career

Who Can Apply

• Songwriters or producers working behind the scenes who do not perform

• Applications can be submitted directly by the songwriter/producer or by a representative (manager, publisher, lawyer, or trusted advisor)

Ineligible Applicants:

• Performing artists, bands, or performing producers

• Individuals already supported by major label or major publishing deals

How to Apply

1. Ensure eligibility criteria are met, including PRS registration and professional track record.

2. Prepare a detailed application outlining:

   • Proposed activities and objectives

   • Budget and funding justification

   • Existing industry deals and why they cannot support the project

3. Submit the application before 6:00 p.m. on the application deadline.

4. Applications are reviewed by an expert panel.

5. Applicants are notified of the decision approximately 12 weeks after the deadline.

Application Cycles

• The Hitmaker Fund runs two rounds per year.

• All applications must adhere to the submission deadline; late entries are not accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications for performing artists, bands, or performing producers

• Applying while signed to a major label or publishing deal

• Requesting funds for costs covered by existing agreements

• Including multiple applicants in a single application

• Failing to demonstrate recent professional success with registered and commercially exploited works

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply? UK-based non-performing songwriters or producers with an established track record and PRS for Music registration.
2. What is the funding range? £5,000–£10,000 per project.
3. What activities can the fund support? Studio hire, creative development, training, equipment/software, maternity leave, and evidence-based international activities.
4. Can performing artists or bands apply? No, they must use alternative PRS funding programs.
5. Are major label or major publishing deal signees eligible? No, applicants must be independent of major label or publishing deals.
6. How many applications can be submitted per cycle? One application per individual songwriter or producer.
7. When will applicants know the outcome? Decisions are communicated approximately twelve weeks after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The PRS Foundation Hitmaker Fund empowers UK-based non-performing songwriters and producers to take strategic next steps in their careers. By providing funding for targeted creative and professional development, the program enables recipients to grow their skills, produce new works, and advance at critical career stages while fostering long-term success in the music industry.