Sound Connections supports music and creative opportunities for children and young people, with a strong emphasis on participation, inclusion, and making music practice more relevant to young people’s lived experiences. Its funding is especially oriented toward early-stage ideas, youth voice, early years music, and workforce/practice development, often working through grassroots groups, Music Hubs, and sector partners in England and London. Distinctively, it combines small grants with hands-on sector support, consultancy, and paid development opportunities for emerging practitioners.
Small, targeted grants and paid development opportunities; most funding is via invite or programme applications with modest award sizes (£2,000–£6,000), focused on pilots, action projects, and trainee placements rather than large unrestricted grants.
Watch the programme deadlines closely and apply through the specific call rather than a general funding portal. Innovate is aimed at England-based individuals or grassroots organisations piloting new ideas, while Activate is for Music Hub partnerships in London with a 2026 early-years focus; the trainee programme is limited to Wired4Music alumni ages 24–30.
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Current and upcoming funding from Sound Connections that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Wired4Music members and/or alumni aged 24–30; applicants should be interested in progressing into roles in music education and cultural sector. Full application guidance available in downloadable application guide PDF.
Deadline: Deadline for applications: 9am, Monday 22 June 2026
Who can apply: Open to individuals and organisations working across England with annual turnover under £150,000; projects must work with children and young people aged 0–25. Projects must take place between 1 September 2026 – 31 March 2027 (2026-27 round).
Deadline: Deadline for 2026-27 applications – Monday 29 June 2026 at 9am
Who can apply: Music Hub partnerships / Music Service/Hub applicants; for 2026 the funding is focused on early years music-making in London. Specific eligibility details on the Activate programme page.
Deadline: Deadline: Monday 29 June 2026, 9am
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.