14 February 2011

The Brook Trust is a relatively new charitable trust which is interested in funding arts and welfare projects. The trust is based in Kent and also makes small grants to local groups in Kent but their website suggests that it is open to applications from the wider area.

In arts it will fund:

•  Professional and community theatre produced with no core funding from national arts councils (NOT: Work by youth or school groups, amateur dramatics, Community theatre projects which have no significant professional participation, cabaret, burlesque, variety, circus, or similar genres; stand-up or sketch comedy). Favoured genres are: text-based theatre, especially new writing; pieces which combine physical and text-based work; plays with music; new work.

•  Folk music projects by professional and amateur organisations and individuals, focussing on English folk music and traditions

•  Classical music projects in underfunded areas or genres, for amateurs and professional groups.

Social welfare:

•  Organisations supporting parenting, particularly in the context of social or economic deprivation

•  Women's charities, especially those organisations caring for victims of domestic or sexual abuse

•  Learning opportunities projects for any age group in play, arts, practical activities or sciences, particularly for the benefit of those who have had limited opportunity.

For more information see the Trust's website here.