The Theatres Trust Small Grants Programme, supported by The Linbury Trust, provides grants of up to £7,500 to help not-for-profit theatres across the UK improve resilience, sustainability, accessibility, and audience diversity. The programme prioritises small projects that make a tangible difference, including essential building works, installation of key plant and machinery, and upgrades that make theatre buildings digital-ready.
Priority is given to projects that protect theatre use, remove barriers to participation, have total costs under £250,000, or where the grant is the sole external funding source. Revenue and survey costs are not eligible; the fund focuses on building improvements, essential equipment, and infrastructure.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Own or manage theatres with leases or titles of more than five years in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
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Deliver a year-round live performance programme of at least 30 performances per year
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Be a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit organisation, able to provide audited or certified accounts for at least two years
Applications are welcome from voluntary or professional theatre venues that meet these criteria. Individuals are not eligible, and only one application per organisation may be submitted per round.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed via the online form, with guidance notes available to support applicants. A recorded webinar on applying to the scheme is also available.
The next application deadline is 5pm on Friday 16 January 2026. Decisions will be communicated within approximately 16 weeks. Due to high demand, pre-application advice is no longer available.Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust