Funding for UK Theatres to Improve Environmental Sustainability

The Theatres Trust, in association with Wolfson Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants of up to £20,000 to support not-for-profit theatres in the UK who need financial support to help reduce their environmental impact.

The Wolfson Foundation renewed its support for the scheme this year (2024), with a further £510,000 in total to be awarded over the next three years, thus providing further opportunities to secure funding from this highly competitive scheme.

Grants can be used for capital costs of building or equipment.

The theme for applications is Improving Environmental Sustainability. Funding will be given to projects that demonstrate how a small intervention can have a big impact on reducing the theatre’s environmental impact.

Grants support a range of projects that consider different ways theatre buildings can reduce their environmental impact, for example sedum roofs, new windows, building management systems and more efficient water heaters.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Demonstrate that they run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year.
Have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years. This can include local authorities or town and borough councils that own and/or operate a venue.
Have the permission of the property owner and any relevant planning body to do the work required.
Operate theatres that achieve excellence through their producing and programming and/or community engagement and/or architectural significance.

Organisations currently in receipt of other grants from the Theatres Trust or the Wolfson Foundation are not eligible to apply.

Please note Theatres Trust is currently reviewing the grant scheme guidelines and application form and will publish up-to-date versions on its website in spring 2024.

An online webinar is being held on 20 May 2024 to provide guidance on applications. Interested applicants can book a place via the link on the Theatres Trust website.

The deadline for applications is noon on 6 September 2024.

Full details…