Deadline: 04-Sep-2025
The PRS Foundation is accepting applications for its Early Career Promoter Fund, which supports independent music promoters based in England. This fund recognizes the crucial role early career promoters play in developing the music scene at local, regional, and national levels. It offers both grant funding and capacity-building support to help strengthen the grassroots music ecosystem.
Applicants can request up to £3,500 in grant funding to support a wide range of activities related to the booking, programming, and promotion of music events. This includes gigs, concerts, club nights, showcases, tours, festivals, and other performances. Additional funds can be requested to cover accessibility-related needs.
Eligible costs include venue hire, artist and DJ fees, crew payments, production costs such as A/V hire and staff, promoter time, administration expenses, event insurance, and PRS for Music costs. Promotion-related expenses like design, printing, distribution, advertising, and digital marketing are also supported.
The fund also supports capacity building activities such as mentoring, coaching, shadowing, workshops, masterclasses, and attending industry events. Applicants can use the grant to join relevant trade associations or participate in other professional development activities. The goal is to help promoters build their skills, expand their networks, and grow their impact.
Additional spending is allowed for initiatives that help promoters work with a more diverse range of artists, engage new audiences, improve accessibility, and enhance environmental sustainability. This may include renting alternative venues, upgrading sound or lighting, or booking more ambitious acts. Promoters are encouraged to include accessible features in their events and take steps toward environmentally responsible practices.
There are some restrictions. Events or tours outside of England are not eligible. Funding cannot be used for capital purchases like vehicles, equipment, or studio construction. Activities already funded elsewhere or those occurring before funding decisions are made are also ineligible. The fund does not support international event attendance or charitable fundraising events. Capacity building support is limited to the named applicant, not to collective members.
Eligible applicants must be based in England and must be early career, independent music promoters. They should be responsible for both booking music acts and promoting events in any genre. Applicants need to clearly explain why support is needed, show how it will help their development, and submit a balanced budget with no profit or loss.
Those outside England cannot apply. This fund is supported by Arts Council England using DCMS funds, which are limited to English applicants. Promoters in other parts of the UK may be eligible for other PRS Foundation schemes or funding from their respective arts councils.
For more information, visit PRS Foundation.
