Applying for UK music funding can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re early in your career or unsure how the process works. DJ, producer and label founder MINA has successfully secured support from the PRS Foundation, Help Musicians, Arts Council England and more.
The Earth Kicks founder launched a resource platform ‘Funding with MINA’ where she shares tips and tricks in an effort to make the application process more accessible and affordable, and since launching she’s helped creatives raise over £100,000. Her advice is grounded, practical and encouraging for anyone trying to grow their artistic practice.
This guide expands on her approach so you can build stronger applications, understand which funds are right for you and avoid the usual pitfalls.
Why apply for UK music funding?
Funding can support parts of your project you can’t self-finance — like studio time, equipment, travel, marketing, workshops, or collaborations. UK funders are actively looking to support emerging and underrepresented artists. These grants aren’t loans — you don’t pay them back. If you prepare well, you significantly increase your chances of success.
Top three UK-based foundations:
PRS foundation
MINA: “PRS offers entry-level UK music funding for musicians who are just starting out. They also provide funding for organizations, composers, producers, and artists to further their careers.”
Arts Council
“Arts Council has two main funding strands, project grants and developing your creative practice. Project grants are for community-based projects. DYCP (develop your creative practice) is for individuals looking to redefine their careers and take it in a new direction.”
Help Musicians UK
“Help Musicians UK has several rolling funds that creatives can take advantage of. They have a “Do it Differently” fund, A MOBO fund, and a Fusion fund. The good thing about these funds is there are no deadlines so you can apply when you are ready.
There are also plenty of other UK music funding opportunities available online. Mina recommends subscribing to the e-digest “Arts Admin” newsletter and following social media platforms like @ILikeNetworking on Instagram for all the latest opportunities.”
Pitching a project idea
“There are three key steps of pitching a project idea when applying for UK music funding:”
- Pitch
- Timeline
- Budget
Pitch
“It’s important to check your project’s eligibility before starting your pitch. All funds have criteria that could include:”
- Age
- Location
- Gender
- Artform
“Make sure you’ve checked this carefully before proceeding. There are usually certain funds that you can’t apply for. Depending on what field of music you’re in, there are specific projects you might want funding for.
- If you are a musician you can apply for funding to collaborate with new artists, finish a release, shoot a music video or acquire more marketing or promotional support.
- If you are a DJ you might want UK music funding to buy new equipment or software or you can apply for funds to pay for mentoring.
- If you run events you might want funding to run workshops, skillshare sessions or pay for a promoter.
Also, most UK music funding organizations will have a word count for your pitch plus specific prompts to clearly define your project. So make sure your values and brand are consistent in both the project description and in your submitted answers. Bullet points are a great way to make sure you answer their queries specifically and clearly.
Once you’ve written out your answers, ask a trusted friend to read them over. Never (ever!) send anything that hasn’t been proofread or edited by another set of eyes. To make sure you get the best feedback, ask:
- Does it make sense to you?
- Are you lost at any point in the description?
- Did you get bored reading anything?
- Which part seems the strongest/weakest to you?
Make sure you’ve checked this carefully before proceeding. There are usually certain funds that you can’t apply for.”
Project timeline
“The next stage is to work out your timeline. For example, if you know you want to host an event in June, work backward from that point. Generally, funding bodies like to fund longer periods of development so pitch a project that lasts at least six months. Give yourself plenty of time not to ruse and ensure your goals are achievable within that time frame.”
Working out a budget
“The budget is the most important part of your project. You are expected to carefully research costs so that everything is accounted for. The goal is to pay each participant in the project, including yourself! Generally, there are no set guidelines for day rates but make them around £50-£150 per day.
Other expenses to factor into your pitch:
- Travel
- Studio rentals
- Equipment Hire.
You can also include a 10% contingency budget for unforeseen expenses. But, it’s extremely important to show the funder how you’ve calculated your costs, and that’s written out clearly and accurately. Always proofread and triple-check your budget!”
Overcoming rejection
“Funds are super competitive, even MINA’s been rejected many times! It’s part of the process, and we encourage you to try and get feedback from the funding body that didn’t take you on. See it as a positive opportunity to tweak and improve your application. Remember, it’s okay to apply to multiple funds at once. Don’t give up, and you will get there!”
The more, the merrier
When it comes to UK music funding, research is everything — not all funds are right for all projects. So, write clearly and stick to the guidelines. Build a strong timeline and realistic budget. If unsuccessful, treat rejection as part of the journey. Then, keep a weekly habit of tracking new funding opportunities.
Funding is a skill. The more you apply, the better you get.