Scops Art Trust is offering grants to registered charities and other constituted, not-for-profit organisations across the UK, to deliver projects and activities that help people to understand, participate in, and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts (music, drama, opera, and dance).

In 2026, the Trust will continue to focus on one area of performing arts in each grant round.

The third and final funding round of 2026 will support children’s and young people’s music education (choirs excluded). Funding is for programmes that give children and young people opportunities to learn, create, experience, and progress, with a particular interest in applications that concentrate on teaching instrumental playing.

Priority will be given to small- to medium-sized organisations, although larger charities are not excluded. Most grants are awarded to registered charities, but in exceptional circumstances will consider applications from formally constituted community groups with clear charitable aims. Grants will only be paid to an organisational bank account in the name of the applicant. Newly formed organisations should ensure that appropriate governance and banking arrangements are in place before applying.

Most grants will be awarded for specific projects, but the Trust will also contribute towards the core costs of smaller organisations where a grant could make an impact.  Both one-off and multi-year grants will be considered.

There is a two-stage application process. Groups must first complete an eligibility check before being invited to submit a Stage 1 application.

The next deadline for Stage 1 applications is 15 September 2026

Further details at: What We Support – Scops Arts Trust

Voluntary Action Leeds