skip to main content

Third Round of PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund Opens to Support Black Musicians

This targeted round of funding recognises the Black music community is disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, and is open for applications from UK-based Black music creators from 16 July to 10 August.

Published: 21 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Young black male musician playing piano
Grants of £750 will be made available, to support outstanding talent in flexible ways. Photo: Shutterstock

PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund has opened for a third wave of applications, with support from Spotify’s Covid-19 Music Relief Fund, and generous donations from music fans and the music industry.

UK-based Black music creators working in any genre and at any career level whose music careers have been impacted by Covid-19 can apply to PRS Foundation’s open call. Grants of £750 will be made available, to support outstanding talent in flexible ways. Additionally, a £250 top-up amount is available for applicants with access needs.

Musicians should apply through PRS Foundation’s website before the deadline of 10 August.

Minorities will be hardest hit by the economic impact of the pandemic

This targeted round of funding recognises the Black music community is disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, that the economic impact of the pandemic will hit minorities hardest, and the concern that outstanding Black talent has been less able to access hardship funding over recent months.

For this deadline, PRS Foundation is partnering with six dynamic Black-led music organisations:

For more guidance on eligibility criteria and how to apply, see PRS Foundation’s website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025