Musical Instruments for Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups
Funding
Up to £30,000
Deadline
15 October 2026
Location
Northern Ireland
Applications
Deadline: 15 October 2026
Overview
Grants up to £30,000 help eligible performing groups buy musical instruments for regular use in Northern Ireland. At least 10% cash match funding is required, with the Arts Council covering at most 90% of eligible costs. Applications close at noon UK time on 15 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Key requirements:
- Provide at least 10% cash match from non-Arts Council sources; supplier discounts do not count.
- Supply two quotations per item, or three for items worth more than £5,000.
- Reclaimable VAT is not funded.
Formally constituted not-for-profit, voluntary or charitable groups need their own non-personal bank account and regular music performance in Northern Ireland. Eligible ensembles, choirs, community groups and schools can apply; schools must apply only for non-core-curriculum activity. Individuals, groups funded by this scheme in the previous five years and bands eligible for the separate Bands programme cannot apply. Instruments must belong to the group.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Formally constituted not-for-profit, voluntary or charitable groups need their own non-personal bank account and regular music performance in Northern Ireland. Eligible ensembles, choirs, community groups and schools can apply; schools must apply only for non-core-curriculum activity. Individuals, groups funded by this scheme in the previous five years and bands eligible for the separate Bands programme cannot apply. Instruments must belong to the group.
Regions
No published award history for Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Grants up to £30,000 help eligible performing groups buy musical instruments for regular use in Northern Ireland. At least 10% cash match funding is required, with the Arts Council covering at most 90% of eligible costs. Applications close at noon UK time on 15 October 2026. Formally constituted not-for-profit, voluntary or charitable groups need their own non-personal bank account and regular music performance in Northern Ireland. Eligible ensembles, choirs, community groups and schools can apply; schools must apply only for non-core-curriculum activity. Individuals, groups funded by this scheme in the previous five years and bands eligible for the separate Bands programme cannot apply. Instruments must belong to the group. Use the Performing Groups application route and submit all enclosures before noon UK time on 15 October 2026. Eligible accordion, brass, concert, flute, pipe and wind bands must use the separate Bands programme.
Use the Performing Groups application route and submit all enclosures before noon UK time on 15 October 2026. Eligible accordion, brass, concert, flute, pipe and wind bands must use the separate Bands programme.
Loading your grant tools...
Get notified about grants like this
Create a free account to receive alerts when new arts, entertainment & recreation funding opens.
Create free accountLast updated: 1 October 2026