Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Youth Music NextGen Fund supports emerging musicians and creatives in the UK with grants of up to £3,000 to develop innovative music projects and career initiatives. The fund prioritises individuals aged 18–25 (or up to 30 for d/Deaf, Disabled, or Neurodivergent applicants) who face barriers in progressing their careers and have never received significant funding before.
The Youth Music NextGen Fund provides financial support to emerging individual musicians and creatives in the UK to develop projects that enhance their skills, careers, and public reach. The fund encourages innovation, originality, and realistic project planning, enabling young artists to turn ideas into impactful outcomes.
Who Is Eligible?
Age Requirements
• 18–25 for general applicants
• 18–30 for those identifying as d/Deaf, Disabled, or Neurodivergent
Residency
• Applicants must be based in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
• Projects must take place in these regions
Career Stage
• Early-stage creatives who have never received significant funding
• Individuals not signed to a record label, publisher, or management company
• Not employed full-time in the music industry
Project Requirements
• Must be led primarily by the individual applicant
• Projects must have a public outcome and be completed within 12 months
• Examples include:
– Single releases, EPs, or contributions to albums
– Music-based business initiatives
– Platforms supporting underrepresented voices
– Event series showcasing emerging artists
Ineligible Applicants/Projects
• Bands, groups, or collectives (primary focus must remain on the individual)
• Projects that have already started
• Activities not focused on music or career development
• Existing organisations or businesses
• Projects promoting political or religious views
• Work involving children under 18 or Adults at Risk
Funding Details
• Maximum grant: £3,000
• Maximum equipment cap: £700
• Projects may also include career development, audience development, equipment, software, and business development
• Budget should include up to 10 items, costs rounded up to the nearest pound
Additional Support
• Disabled applicants may request up to £350 via the Application Access Fund to help prepare their application
• Personal access costs can be included on top of the £3,000 grant, such as transport, specialist equipment, support workers, or communication support
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
• Confirm age, residency, career stage, and project eligibility
• Ensure the project has not started and fits the fund’s music and career focus
Step 2: Plan Your Project
• Develop a clear, realistic plan with timelines, deliverables, and budget
• Ensure the project highlights your personal creativity and involvement
• Research costs carefully to demonstrate resourcefulness and efficiency
Step 3: Prepare Application
• Include a structured budget (up to 10 items)
• Ensure all content is honest, personal, and reflective of your real plans
• Disabled applicants may include access costs or request Application Access Fund support
Step 4: Submit Application
• Submit through the official Youth Music NextGen Fund portal
• Ensure completeness and clarity to maximise assessment potential
Key Updates (January 2025)
• Maximum grant increased to £3,000
• Equipment cap increased to £700
• Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in the next round
• Applicants may use AI tools to support applications, provided content remains truthful and personal
Why This Fund Matters
The NextGen Fund helps:
• Emerging creatives overcome barriers in their music careers
• Support early-stage innovation and originality
• Facilitate public-facing projects that showcase talent
• Provide additional access support for Disabled applicants
Tips for a Strong Application
• Focus on individual-led projects with clear outcomes
• Include a realistic timeline and budget
• Demonstrate innovation or originality for yourself and your audience
• Use AI tools responsibly for planning and presentation
• Show resourcefulness by planning to complete most work independently
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
Individuals aged 18–25 (or 18–30 for d/Deaf, Disabled, or Neurodivergent) based in the UK, in the early stages of their music career.
Can groups or bands apply?
No. Only individual applicants are eligible, though collaboration with others is allowed.
How much funding can I request?
Up to £3,000 for the project, with an equipment cap of £700.
Are access costs covered?
Yes. Disabled applicants may include personal access costs on top of the grant and can request up to £350 through the Application Access Fund.
Can AI tools be used to prepare applications?
Yes, provided the content is honest, personal, and reflective of real plans.
What types of projects are supported?
Creative music projects, career development, audience engagement, music-based business ideas, and public showcases for emerging artists.
Can I reapply if unsuccessful?
Yes. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in the next funding round.
Conclusion
The Youth Music NextGen Fund empowers emerging UK creatives to develop innovative, public-facing music projects while overcoming barriers to career progression. With grants up to £3,000, strong planning, and optional access support, the fund provides a valuable platform for early-stage musicians and creatives to launch and grow their careers.
For more information, visit The National Foundation for Youth Music.
