The BRIT Trust announces its beneficiary charities for 2026

Grants totalling more than £30 million have been awarded by the BRIT Trust since its foundation in 1989, supporting causes that share its mission to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts

The BRIT Trust – the principal charity of The BRIT Awards and of the UK recorded music industry, which works to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts – today announces the charities that will receive its grant funding in 2026.

With annual income generated largely through monies raised by The BRIT Awards and by the Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS), as well as, more recently, the White Label Auction, the BRIT Trust was originally set up to support the vital work of The BRIT School – the world-renowned, Croydon-based performing and creative arts school that is free to attend – and that of Nordoff and Robbins – the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Both these causes remain close to its heart as its long-term beneciaries. Over the past three decades, however, the Trust has expanded its giving, making around 300 grants to a diverse breadth of eligible causes across the UK that promote education and wellbeing, social justice and community cohesion through the power of music.

Twelve charities in all will benefit from BRIT Trust funding in 2026. Among the projects being funded, activities will range from empowering disadvantaged young people in Wales with increased access to music, to providing a vital health and wellbeing training programme for musicians and performing artists across the UK working in a creative health setting; and from helping vulnerable people in Leicester with education and training, to nurturing self-expression, develop technical skills, and building confidence through collaborative music-making in areas of poverty and deprivation outside of Glasgow. See Notes for full project details and quotes from all the charities.

• Abram Willson Foundation (London)
• Anthem Wales (Cardiff & Wales)
• BAPAM (London and UK wide)
• BRIT School (Croydon)
• East London Arts and Music (ELAM) (East London and wider)
• Hand Of (Newcastle Upon Tyne and the North East)
• Healthy n Happy (Rutherglen, Glasgow)
• Heart n Soul (South East London)
• Nordoff and Robbins (UK wide)
• Pedestrian (Leicester/shire)
• Performing Room (Northampton)
• Tomorrow’s Warriors (London)

BRIT Trust Chair, Tony Wadsworth CBE, said:

“We all know how hard it is for charities right now, and it’s getting tougher – and that’s true of our own experience at the BRIT Trust, but, thanks to the valued support of our music industry, we are delighted to be able to once again support a breadth of good causes across the UK and help deliver some important projects. We congratulate the recipient charities on their successful applications and look forward to receiving funding requests for 2027.”

In each grant cycle, from December to April, registered charities which meet The BRIT Trust’s giving criteria can apply for funding via The BRIT Trust website. The BRIT Trust’s Grants Committee evaluates these applications and a recommendation is made to the Trustees for their November Board Meeting, after which a final decision is communicated to applicants. Grants are confirmed and announced once final due diligence has been completed. Applications for BRIT Trust funding in 2027 are now being received until 30th April 2026, and can be made here.

Abram Wilson

Bringing together young people and musicians from minoritised backgrounds to unleash talent, ignite lifelong engagement with music and carve equitable space in the UK music industry. From their very first time playing in a class ensemble, right up to headlining a critically acclaimed venue, we seek to remove systemic barriers so that the next generation are equipped and inspired to pursue their music careers.

Mercy Welbeck, Creative Director & Joint-CEO, said: "We’re hugely grateful to The BRIT Trust for once again supporting our mission with a generous grant towards Beyond the Mix, our career development programme for emerging jazz-inspired musicians from minoritised backgrounds. This vital funding comes at a time when musicians - particularly those minortised by race and class - are struggling to make ends meet. Thanks to the Trust's support, we can drive forward the development and co-design of Beyond The Mix, working with our community of musicians, young people, Artistic Board and music industry partners to equip musicians with the knowledge, skills and networks to take their careers to the next stage. With this backing, we can continue bringing together young people and musicians to unleash talent, ignite lifelong engagement with music and carve out equitable space in the UK music industry. Together, we’ll be part of the eco-system breaking down barriers, levelling the playing field and building a more equal, vibrant music sector - from school to industry."

Anthem Wales

Anthem is Wales’ leading youth music charity. We support young people across Wales to make, enjoy and shape music. By co-creating with young people and grassroots partners, we place youth voices at the heart of everything we do, building skills, confidence and community through music.

The BRIT Trust grant will enable Anthem to develop its Sustainable Futures participation programme. This work will empower their 1,900 young people aged 11-25 across Wales annually through music development, performance experiences, and skills development training. The programme will help tackle systemic barriers to music access, with a focus on young people from disadvantaged, rural, and underrepresented backgrounds, building young people’s confidence and creativity, and helping to strengthen pathways into the creative industries.

Rhian Hutchings, Chief Executive Anthem Wales said: "We're really thrilled that the BRIT Trust are investing in Anthem. This funding will support our diverse youth activity, providing opportunities for young people in Wales to gain new skills, build their confidence, and connect to the wider music community across Wales."

BAPAM

BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine), founded in 1984, is the medical charity for the performing arts, led by doctors with expertise in creative sector health. While a creative career can be immensely rewarding, it also brings specific challenges. Research shows that 75% of those working in the performing arts will face a career-impacting physical or psychological health problem at some point. Funded by the industry, and in partnership with key organisations, we provide vital support to aid recovery from illness or injury and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for performing arts professionals across the UK. BAPAM works across the creative and medical sectors. We are the leading provider of clinical services to the UK’s entire performing arts community, supporting everyone in the industry, from musicians and singers to dancers, actors, and circus performers, as well as those who work behind the scenes. We ensure they receive evidence-backed information and training to prevent poor health, and we provide free, specialist care when things go wrong.

Claire Cordeaux, CEO, BAPAM, said: "The BRIT Trust's grant to BAPAM allows us to deliver a vital health and wellbeing training programme for musicians and performing artists working in creative health settings. Without these performing arts professionals, there can be no creative health initiatives. The people who deliver creative health programmes need tailored support for their own occupational health from people who have experience in their specific needs and challenges. We at BAPAM are delighted that the BRIT Trust recognise the need for support for creative health practitioners. It is essential to ensure that performing artists working in creative health settings are supported to maintain and improve their own health so they can support and improve the health and wellbeing of others."

The BRIT School

Opened in 1991 with the support of the UK recorded music industry through The BRIT Trust and the BPI, The BRIT School is the leading Performing and Creative Arts school in the UK and is completely FREE to attend. Its mission is to train and educate young people for future careers in the booming creative industries and was judged ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories by OFSTED in 2024. It provides a unique education for over 1,450 students aged between 14 and 19, specialising in Music, Film, Digital Arts, Visual Arts and Design, Fashion, Production and Performing Arts and is underpinned by a robust academic programme of GCSEs, UAL vocational Level 2&3, A Levels plus BRIT Fit - a fitness and wellbeing initiative, and Ethics, Beliefs & Culture to celebrate inclusivity and diversity.

Stuart Worden OBE, Principal of The BRIT School, said: "From the very outset of The BRIT School coming into being, the BRIT Trust has been there for us. Its long-term support has been integral in enabling the free and innovative education and culture of student experience that is unique to us, and which to date has benefitted well over 13,000 graduates from all social backgrounds. The continuing funding will also help us to keep our theatres, studios and classes to mirror industry standards, and will help support students from low income families to access opportunities of a lifetime and realise their creative potential.”

East London Arts and Music (ELAM)

East London Arts & Music (ELAM) exists to accelerate progress towards a more diverse and equitable creative industry.

ELAM is a world-class, Ofsted outstanding, sixth form college that opened in September 2014 in one of the most deprived areas in the UK, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Providing Trainees with a free, two-year specialist education in Music, Games Design or Film & Television studies. As one of the fastest growing sectors, the economic importance of the creative industries is undeniable, but unfortunately so is its lack of diversity. For many gifted young people, opportunities to pursue their talent or to work in the vital roles behind the scenes in the creative industries is highly restricted. ELAM was founded to tackle this inequity with the guiding vision that all children growing up in the UK see themselves reflected in UK culture. We aim to transform and diversify the creative industries by enabling access to all and to develop the most well-rounded and highly skilled workforce possible, reflecting the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the world we live in.

We work hard to engage with traditionally underrepresented prospective Trainees and their parents, attracting young people from almost every London Borough and beyond. ELAM has built a reputation as an inclusive and effective incubator of British talent. We have developed a model that works and, with more high profile successes emerging recently, we hope will become increasingly impactful. To see our incredible Trainees in action you can visit our YouTube channel.

Yansé Cooper, Headteacher at ELAM said “We are incredibly grateful to The BRIT Trust for their continued support and partnership. This generosity enables ELAM to provide underrepresented young people with the access, opportunities, and the support they need to thrive in the creative industries. The programmes The BRIT Trust support allow our Trainees and Alumni to benefit from professional industry opportunities, high-quality training, and vital pastoral and mental-wellbeing support, removing barriers that too often prevent talented young people from achieving their potential. It ensures our curriculum remains industry-informed, with meaningful engagement from professionals built in at every stage. By investing in ELAM, The Trust is helping to build a more diverse, inclusive, and representative creative sector for the future.”

Hand Of

Hand Of is a charity that specifically gives disadvantaged children and young people unique creative opportunities. Projects include intensive 1 to 2-day interventions, large-scale creative projects lasting c.6 months, and weekly 1 to 1 mentoring programmes. On every Hand Of project, children and young people work collaboratively to co-create outputs together with professionals, including live performances, films, sound walks, art exhibitions and music videos. Hand Of works with socio-culturally marginalised children and young people. Many of our participants have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social Emotional Mental Health problems (SEMH), are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and/or are Looked After Children (LAC). Many participants have been permanently excluded from or are not attending school, and are at risk of engaging or reengaging in criminal behaviour.

Support from The BRIT Trust has enabled us to further develop Nine Voices, an alternative choir for disadvantaged young people. Our choir members come together on a weekly basis to arrange, compose, sing and perform music together. Across the year, young people get the chance to share their music with the community at live music events and performances. Our young people and their caregivers have said: “this gives me something to aim for when I didn’t really have anything before”, and “this is the only activity that has worked for X, he has friends now, it’s been transformative”.

Louise Snape, the Artistic Director at Hand Of, said: “Hand Of transforms the lives of children and young people in the North East, through unique creative opportunities to work alongside artists and musicians to co-create live performances, music, films and sound walks."

Healthy n Happy

We are an award winning charity and community owned organisation governed by local people, where all of our work is directed by local priorities. Our key purpose is to tackle disadvantage and improve lives and communities so they are thriving, resilient and healthy. All of what we offer supports and enables people to make positive changes in their lives and their community. From building confidence and self-esteem, to boosting skills and relationships, to getting more involved in their local neighbourhood.

Victoria Ram, Senior Team Leader at Healthy n Happy, said: “Our BRIT Trust grant will fund a 10-week Rap & Music Production Course led by Johnny Cypher (John Spence) and Miles Better (Paul Wardrop). Aimed at 16–25-year-olds in areas of poverty and deprivation, the programme nurtures self-expression, builds technical skills, and boosts confidence through collaborative music-making. Participants begin with lyric writing through creative exercises, storytelling, and group discussion, followed by editing and research to strengthen content and social insight. They then move into demo and final recording sessions focused on delivery and arrangement. The course ends with performance rehearsals and final track polishing, with each participant producing a completed piece and, where possible, taking part in a live showcase or community event.”

Heart n Soul

Heart n Soul is an award-winning creative community and arts charity. We believe in the power and talents of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. We work together to make great art with imagination, love and trust. At Heart n Soul everyone is valued, and leadership is shared. We can be ourselves, make change happen and have fun! Our vision is of a more open, creative and equal world. Help us to change the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people!

Mark Williams, CEO/Artistic Director Heart n Soul, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from the BRIT Trust. It will fund Do Your Own Thing, our young people led project for 10-25 years olds where participants develop their creative expression and confidence. This year is an exciting one at Heart n Soul as young people will focus on creating work for our 40th anniversary which starts in September 2026. It will be an opportunity to showcase the talent and power of young people with learning disabilities to new and wider audiences. They will create, connect and make change.”

Nordoff and Robbins

Nordoff and Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity, with a unique approach shaped by over 60 years of practice. Its trained music therapists use music to break through barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation. The charity does this through providing music therapy to people across the UK, whilst also training the music therapists of the future and funding research to measure and improve the impact of its work. So far in 2025, Nordoff and Robbins has supported close to 12,000 people across more than 45,000 music therapy sessions, partnering with 315 organisations nationwide including schools, hospitals and care homes.

Sandra Schembri, CEO Nordoff and Robbins, said: “The continuous support Nordoff and Robbins has received from the BRIT Trust over the years has helped the Charity increase the number of people we reach with music therapy year on year, from those living with dementia to children facing mental health challenges. Music therapy can be the difference for them, and it has literally meant we can keep the music going. As we navigate the pressing challenges of growing demand, increasing costs and a tougher fundraising climate, this regular Trust funding is a lifeline to a charity like us, for which we are incredibly grateful.”

Pedestrian

Pedestrian has been transforming the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in Leicester/shire through creativity since 1998. We are an arts and education organisation that provides education, outreach and training to children and young people (up to the age of 25) at risk, whom are often socially excluded, in challenging circumstances and experiencing disadvantages.

Our work increases confidence and self-esteem, improves mental health & well-being, develops lifelong skills, and gives young people a voice. We do this through three main areas of work:

- Alternative Education Provision: we run an accredited alternative to school for 14-16 years not in mainstream education.

- Early Intervention & Outreach- a series of outreach projects with schools, local groups and partner organisations supporting the most vulnerable in the community.

- Progression & Training- providing support to those interested in working in the creative sector through training, placements and qualifications.

Our mission is using the arts and creativity as a vehicle to engage, empower and enrich children and young people’s lives which has seen us support approximately 2000 young people every year. We believe that with the right levels of support and timely intervention, everyone can achieve their goals. We call this 'Pioneering Potential’.

Hema Badger-Mistry, CEO Pedestrian, said: “Since 1998, Pedestrian have been transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through music and creativity in Leicester. Our Press Start project gives young people the opportunity to work alongside professional musicians to build musical skills around composition, music production, performance and recording. This allows them to express themselves, increase confidence and self-esteem and gives young people a voice! Huge thanks to The BRIT Trust for this funding which will enable us to continue towards our mission of using the arts & creativity as a vehicle to engage, empower & enrich children & young people's lives, who experience challenges & disadvantages. With youth services disappearing, this weekly session is a lifeline for many who need a safe, welcoming space where they can thrive and build a brighter future."

Performing Room

Performing Room Receives BRIT Trust Support to Expand Inclusive Music and Arts for Northamptonshire Communities

Performing Room—Northampton’s pioneering hub for inclusive music, creativity, and wellbeing continues its bold transformation of 9 Guildhall Road, a remarkable Victorian landmark built in 1872. Once a grand hotel, the building now stands as a flagship centre where sound, story, and community come together to inspire healing, belonging, creativity, and possibility. Since moving into the building in 2019, Performing Room has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem for children, young people, and adults—including those living with SEND, autism, cognitive disabilities, mental health challenges, or trauma, as well as individuals experiencing poverty, care experience, unemployment, or social isolation. Here, creativity is more than expression—it is transcendence, where every voice is invited to rise.

At the heart of the organisation’s mission is its acclaimed programme 'Making Music, Making Friends', a joyful fusion of rhythm, discovery, and empowerment that ensures no one is left behind. Fueled by passionate volunteers and a fiercely inclusive ethos, Performing Room has become known for its warmth, innovation, and transformative impact. In recognition of this work, the charity was honoured by the Crown and invited to Buckingham Palace in 2025, celebrating its life-changing contribution to community, music, and wellbeing. Located in the heart of Northampton’s beautiful Cultural Quarter, Performing Room supports up to 2,000 childten, young people and adults every year, offering a safe and inspiring creative space where people of all abilities can thrive. The charity empowers individuals aged 12–35 to rebuild confidence, wellbeing, and purpose through the transformative power of music and the arts.

A new grant from The BRIT Trust will enable Performing Room to expand its flagship work and nurture grassroots talent that reflects the full diversity of the UK’s communities. Over the coming year, the charity will:

· Deliver 170 free recording sessions for emerging artists

· Host 12 public events at 9 Guildhall Road

· Train 30 new volunteers to support artist development and regional festivals

· Welcome back 12 alumni and distinguished musicians for career workshops

· Celebrate a full spectrum of community music—from electronic and hip hop to metal, pop, and drill

This investment will help build a more accessible and sustainable music industry by supporting individuals who are often unheard, unseen, or excluded from traditional creative pathways.

Performing Room invites individuals, families, artists, schools, and partner organisations to collaborate, participate, and create within its unique, inclusive environment. Through music, heritage, and imagination, the charity continues to redefine what a community arts space can be—and who it can belong to.

Janan Fifield, Founder of Performing Room, said: “Performing Room isn’t just a charity—it’s a creative powerhouse at the heart of Northampton, where impossible ideas take shape and forgotten voices rise. Since 2001, we’ve transformed lives through live music, heritage, imagination, and care, redefining inclusion, education, healing, and human connection. We don’t ask people to change to fit the world—we build a space where the world changes to make room for them. Performing Room isn’t just a space—it’s an experience. Once you’ve felt it, you’re part of it forever.”

Tomorrow’s Warriors

Tomorrow’s Warriors is a pioneering talent development organisation, creative producer, learning and training provider, charity and consultancy specialising in jazz. Founded in 1991 by Queen’s Medal for Music recipient Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, TW helps aspiring young artists from diverse backgrounds discover their magic and achieve creative ambitions. Since inception, Tomorrow’s Warriors has reached over 15,000 young people aged 11-25 through its unique Talent Development Programme, providing each musician with between 1,000-5,000 hours of free jazz training and development. Tomorrow’s Warriors nurtures nascent talent and builds engaged, culturally diverse audiences, providing a crucial development platform for emerging artists, many of whom are blazing a trail across the international music scene – including BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winners EZRA Collective, as well as Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi, Sheila Maurice-Gray, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, CHERISE, ESKA, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Zara McFarlane and many more. Tomorrow’s Warriors is a Resident Organisation of the Southbank Centre, where it hosts its Young Artist Development Programme, comprising of learning and participation, artist development and professional performances. The Emerging Artist Programme delivers mentoring, performance opportunities, training, traineeships, talks, masterclasses, and bursaries to support artists into professional careers, many securing paid, often high-profile, opportunities across a broad spectrum of the industry. Tomorrow’s Warriors is proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and an organisation within the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network. Tomorrow’s Warriors is also the home of Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Tomorrow’s Warriors is pivotal in elevating UK jazz, valued by its alumni and respected by funding partners for the impact delivered through its pipeline for outstanding, diverse talent. https://tomorrowswarriors.org/ Tomorrow’s Warriors is a not for profit company and a Registered Charity No 1153613. Give today to Tomorrow’s Warriors at https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/13423

Janine Irons OBE, Co-founder and CEO of Tomorrow's Warriors, said : “We are very grateful to The BRIT Trust for this generous funding, which enables us to continue providing high-quality, free weekly sessions like The Standards and The Jazz Hang, which are vital entry points for young people developing their musical voice. At a time when opportunities for creative learning are under real pressure, this investment helps us keep our doors open to young musicians from Black, female and Global majority backgrounds who want to grow, create and belong, as we continue nurturing the next generation of diverse talent through our programmes.”