Request for Proposals: The Thomas Devlin Fund (UK)

The Thomas Devlin Fund offers grants of up to £1,750 for young people aged 15–19 pursuing creative arts, performing arts, or music. The bursary supports innovative developmental opportunities, prioritizes applicants with financial need, and requires a supporting reference from a teacher, tutor, or youth worker. Applications must be submitted jointly with the referee by 5 March 2026, 1:00 PM.

Fund Overview

The Thomas Devlin Fund aims to empower gifted young people to pursue unique opportunities in:

• Creative arts (including fine arts and literary arts)

• Performing arts

• Music

The bursary prioritizes initiatives that are innovative, developmental, and otherwise inaccessible due to financial constraints.

Grant Details

• Maximum Award: £1,750

• Eligible Age: 15 to 19 years

• Funding Use: Unique developmental opportunities (not equipment, formal tuition, or app/game development)

• Confidentiality: All financial information is confidential and must be supported by a referee

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be aged 15–19

• Demonstrate potential for artistic or creative development

• Show genuine financial need

• Explain how the bursary will positively impact their personal growth and community contribution

Applicants must submit a reference from a:

• Teacher

• Tutor

• Youth worker or support worker

The reference should clearly justify the applicant’s suitability for the bursary.

How to Apply

1. Complete the Application Form:

   • Applicant and referee must jointly complete the form

2. Provide Supporting Reference:

   • Reference must explain financial need and artistic potential

3. Submit Application:

   • Send the completed form to the Community Foundation

   • Deadline: Thursday, 5 March 2026, 1:00 PM

   • Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted

Why This Bursary Matters

• Enables young people to access unique developmental opportunities in the arts

• Supports creative, performing, and musical talent at formative stages

• Prioritizes applicants with financial need, fostering equity and inclusion

• Encourages personal growth that benefits both the individual and their community

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the joint completion requirement with a referee

• Submitting applications after the deadline

• Requesting funding for ineligible purposes (equipment, tuition fees, app/game development)

• Failing to demonstrate financial need or development potential

• Providing incomplete or unclear references

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum bursary amount?

£1,750 per applicant.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Young people aged 15–19 pursuing creative arts, performing arts, or music.

3. Can the bursary be used for equipment or tuition fees?

No, it must fund unique developmental opportunities.

4. Is a reference required?

Yes, from a teacher, tutor, youth worker, or support worker.

5. How must the application be submitted?

Jointly completed by the applicant and referee to the Community Foundation.

6. What is the deadline?

Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 1:00 PM.

7. Will financial information remain confidential?

Yes, all information regarding financial need is confidential.

Conclusion

The Thomas Devlin Fund bursary provides essential support for talented young creatives aged 15–19 in the UK.

By funding unique developmental opportunities in the arts, performing arts, and music, the program enables young people to realize their potential, overcome financial barriers, and positively impact their communities.

Applicants who demonstrate clear artistic potential, financial need, and commitment to personal growth are most likely to benefit from this opportunity.