Brass Bands England (BBE) has announced a number of new funding streams that can be accessed by bands during the current Coronavirus pandemic.

BBE will also offer webinar support sessions to offer practical assistance to those who wish to apply for them.

Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants:

The Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant scheme reopens on 22nd July, giving bands the opportunity to apply for funding for new projects.

Further guidance on application requirements will be released in mid-July, although Arts Council England has confirmed relaxations on match funding requirements and a commitment to small independent organisations.

BBE will be hosting a Zoom webinar to explain the process of applying for this funding and to support bands with their applications on Thursday 30th July at 7.00pm

Attendees can interact and ask questions throughout the session.

This session is free for BBE members, and £5 for non-members.

To register for this webinar go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=85&reset=1

Questions can be emailed to presenters in advance of the workshop at events@bbe.org.uk

Easyfundraising:

This is a BBE partnership initiative with fundraising website Easyfundraising

Your band receives cashback donations when members shop online with 4000+ retailers including Amazon, eBay, Just Eat, John Lewis, Waitrose, Argos, Screwfix and Trainline.

It's free to register and use and requires minimal management.

BBE members can register their band for free before 31st August at: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/brass-bands-england?utm_medium=onsite&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=relaunch&origin=par

Bands will be entered into a draw to win £100 donation from easyfundraising to kickstart your campaign.

If your band is already registered with easyfundraising, simply raise a donation before 31st August 2020 to enter.

To find out more go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/easyfundraising

Brass Band Emergency Fund:

BBE's fund is now open for applications for bands in need of help with any of the following costs:

Assistance with rent payments the band is committed to

Assistance with payments for contracted conductors

Assistance with payments for ongoing projects (i.e. set payments for commissions)

For more information go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-band-emergency-fund

Donations to the fund can be made at: https://chuffed.org/project/brassbandemergencyfund

BBE will also offer webinar support sessions to offer practical assistance to those who wish to apply for them4BR

Norman Jones Trust:

This BBE Trust Fund money is available to BBE Members.

Applications are invited from bands and individuals in reference to the following criteria:

New music commissions, especially from new or young composers

Working with other art forms and in particular, to fund capital items

Working with disadvantaged groups

Assistance for students to help with musical education

Projects which will have a lasting effect on the brass band community/applicants

It is unlikely that 100% funding would be given to applications. Amounts awarded will depend on the quality of the application and the funds available at the time.

For more information, email info@bbe.org.uk

Making Music Membership:

All BBE members also receive affiliate membership of the charity Making Music, giving access to all member benefits and resources.

This includes their charity registration service and funding portal, for finding available grants for leisure-time music groups including brass bands.

To find out more go to: https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/brass-bands-england-affiliate-membership

Find out more

To discuss any of BBE's ongoing fundraising initiatives, you can also call Brass Bands England on 01226 771015 or email info@bbe.org.uk