Grants and Bursaries

Grants and bursaries are available for students who need financial assistance. Below are some of the organisations which hand out bursaries. Contact details (and, in some cases, application forms) are available on their websites.

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BBC Fame Academy Bursary
The Fame Academy Bursary was set up after the success of BBC's Fame Academy programme. The money raised on the programme is now used to fund young musicians, from a range of genres, to help them pursue their careers in music.

EMI Music Sound Foundation
EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples' access to music education in the UK & Ireland. They provide bursaries for the purchase or upgrade of instruments and music making equipment

Grinstead Fund
The Dorothy Grinstead Memorial Fund (now called "The Grinstead Fund") was set up to help young musicians on their way. It exists to make grants for this sort of expense. You must have some sort of connection with Croydon through education, work, family or training to qualify. Contact: Mrs Joy Lawrence BA, The Grinstead Fund, 83 Purley Downs Road, South Croydon, CR2 0RJ - Tel 020 8668 4372

Hattori Foundation
The Hattori Foundation was established as an Educational Trust by the Hattori family. The aim of the Foundation is to encourage and assist exceptionally talented young instrumental soloists or chamber ensembles who are British Nationals or resident in the UK and whose talent and achievements give promise of an international career. Funding is given towards travelling expenses to attend national or international competitions, master classes within the UK or abroad and specific assistance in the case of hardship. There are two awards available: Junior (ages 15-20) or Senior (ages 21-27).

Musicians Benevolent Fund
The Musicians Benevolent Fund is the music business's own charity - the largest in the UK, funded entirely by donations and bequests from music lovers and musicians. They provide financial assistance to talented musicians, usually in their final year of study, towards study fees, maintenance and instrument purchase up to a maximum of £5,000.

Wingate Scholarships
Wingate Scholarships are awarded to outstandingly talented musicians for advanced training. They are designed to help with the costs of a specific project which may last up to 3 years. The average total award is about £6,500 and the maximum in any one year is £10,000.

Worshipful Company of Musicians
The Musicians' Company encourages and promotes musical performance and education to the highest professional standards and particularly supports young musicians. Through its administration of charitable funds, the Worshipful Company focuses on helping young musicians at the start of their careers, through the provision of prizes and scholarships, performance opportunities and medals that recognise excellence and achievement.