Funding and grants for freelancers
Where to look for funding for creative projects, professional development and new work across the UK.
Funding can sometimes support research, training, mentoring, creative development, making and sharing new work, touring, equipment, access costs or collaboration. What is available will depend on your role, location, experience, proposed activity and the particular funding programme.
This page brings together recognised starting points for UK theatre and performing-arts freelancers. It focuses on funding for creative work and professional development.
Looking for immediate help with living costs, illness, injury, debt or a financial emergency? Visit our Financial Support pages instead.
Funding programmes, eligibility requirements and application dates change. Always read the current guidance provided by the funder before beginning an application or committing to any costs.
Start with your national arts funder
The four UK nations have different funding bodies, programmes and eligibility rules. Start with the nation where you live or where the proposed activity will take place.
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Funding for individual artists, creative and cultural practitioners in England, including project and professional-development programmes.
Check the current guidance to identify the fund that best matches your proposed activity.
CREATIVE SCOTLAND
Funding for artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners based in Scotland.
The Open Fund for Individuals supports activity initiated by practitioners, with other targeted programmes available at different points during the year.
ARTS COUNCIL OF WALES
Current funding and development opportunities for individual artists and creative professionals in Wales.
Each programme has its own purpose, timetable and geographical requirements.
ARTS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN IRELAND
Funding for individual artists and creative practitioners in Northern Ireland.
Programmes may support research, creating new work, training, mentoring, travel and professional development.
UK-wide funding searches and signposting
These resources can help you discover UK-wide, specialist, local or time-limited opportunities alongside the funding offered by the four national arts councils.
National Lottery Funding Finder
Search funding across arts, heritage and community projects throughout the UK.
Some programmes accept applications from individuals, while others require a group, charity, company or other organisation.
Jerwood signposting
A regularly reviewed collection of grants, awards and other resources for UK-based artists and artist-led organisations.
It is a useful place to discover smaller, specialist and time-limited opportunities.
British Council Arts
International grants, commissions, exchanges and cultural collaboration opportunities.
Eligibility, partner countries and opening dates vary between programmes.
Local funding
Local authorities, community foundations and regional cultural networks may offer grants connected to a particular place or community.
Use the postcode search to find your nearest community foundation. Many local funds support groups and organisations rather than individuals, so check the applicant requirements.
Specialist funding and development
Some organisations offer funding for particular disciplines, communities or stages of a professional career. These programmes can open and close at different points, so check the current position directly.
MGCfutures
An annual theatre career bursary programme providing funding, mentorship and support.
Bursaries can support people working across creative, administrative and technical theatre careers. Professional-experience requirements apply.
Unlimited
Commissions and development awards supporting work created by disabled artists.
Funding rounds may include research and development, new commissions and opportunities delivered with partner organisations.
Help Musicians
Career-development funding, advice and other support for professional musicians.
Opportunities may support recording, performance, collaboration, training and significant career-development activity.
PRS Foundation
Funding for UK-based music creators, including songwriters, composers, artists, bands and producers involved in creating new music.
Different programmes support different career stages and types of project.
Society of Authors
Grants supporting writers and works in progress, including some script projects.
Professional publication, commissioning or performance requirements may apply. Separate support is also available for some writers experiencing financial difficulty.
Before you start an application
Before investing time in an application, check:
• Whether individuals can apply
• Whether your role or discipline is eligible
• The geographical requirements
• What activity and costs the fund can support
• The decision date and earliest permitted project start
• Whether you can include a fee for your own time
• What records or reports successful applicants must provide
Funding is competitive and cannot be relied upon as regular income. An unsuccessful application does not necessarily mean that your idea or your work lacks value.
New to funding applications? Our Freelancing 101 guide can help you assess an opportunity, plan a realistic budget and prepare your first application.
Links are provided as useful starting points. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by FMTW, and individual programmes should always be checked directly before applying, sharing personal information or committing money.
Last reviewed: August 2026