Supporting Grassroots Music

The Supporting Grassroots Music (SGM) programme, jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England, is designed to strengthen the sustainability of England’s grassroots music sector. This sector – encompassing venues, festivals, promoters, rehearsal and recording studios, and sector bodies – is crucial for developing local and national talent, supporting musicians and music professionals, and growing audiences.

SGM funding supports projects that help artists, bands, and industry professionals transition to sustainable careers, while also supporting audience development and the wider grassroots music ecosystem. Sector bodies working to develop and support the sector are also eligible.

Funding Update – August 2025
Applicants should review the new Supporting Grassroots Music guidance document and downloadable Word application forms before applying. From 1 September 2025, all applications must be submitted by email following the updated process. SGM is no longer part of the National Lottery Project Grants programme.

Impact to Date
The programme builds on insights from the Supporting Grassroots Live Music fund (2019–2023), which supported venues and promoters, ensuring that current funding meets the sector’s needs and strengthens long-term sustainability.

Claire Mera-Nelson, Arts Council England’s Director of Music, explores the continued commitment to supporting grassroots music and the opportunities unlocked by additional DCMS funding.

For enquiries or to request information in an alternative format, Arts Council England is available to assist.

More information and guidance on applying

Share:

Related Posts

Heritage Revival Fund Project Development Grants

The Heritage Revival Fund helps community organisations across England rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings, with a focus on regenerating town centre locations. By supporting charities, not-for-profit organisations, and social enterprises, the fund aims to transform local heritage assets into

Read More »

The Access Fund

The Access Fund offers grants of £100 to £1,500 to Arts Award centres across the UK, helping them engage young people who face barriers to access and inclusion. The funding is designed to support centres in piloting, embedding, or developing

Read More »

National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grants

Charities, community groups, and community interest companies can apply for funding for community gardening projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to create a community garden, park, or allotment with a horticultural focus

Read More »

Groundwork Grassroots Grants

Unrestricted grants of between £500 and £2,000 can be accessed by organisations whose income is under £25,000 in the last financial year to support groups that provide vital services in their local communities. Funding can be used for project ideas

Read More »
VODA

Search