Aims/priorities: The Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres in the UK. Set up by the Government through an Act of Parliament in 1976, it works to promote the better protection of theatres for the benefit of the nation.
The Small Grants scheme is supported by the Linbury Trust as well as donations from Judy Craymer CBE and Charles Michael Holloway Charitable Trust. In autumn 2022, the Mackintosh Foundation committed to £150,000 over five years to the scheme.
The scheme aims to fund small capital improvements to theatres run by charities and not-for-profit groups that will make a big impact to a theatre's resilience, sustainability or accessibility, or to improving the diversity of audiences.
Who can apply: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide audited accounts for at least two years. This can include local authorities or Town and Borough Councils that own and/or operate a venue.
- Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
- Be open and running a year-round, public programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year of theatre, dance, comedy, or musicals.
- Have the permission of the property owner to do the work required.
Only one application per organisation can be submitted in each round.
Organisations previously in receipt of grants from the Theatres Trust (including through this scheme) may not apply until 12 months after the date of receipt of the final evaluation report for that award.
Grant amount: Grants of up to £7,500 are available.
Application process: You can apply online: https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/smallgrants
Deadline: 25 January 2027 (noon)