Theatre Improvement Scheme with the Wolfson Foundation

Theatres Trust's Theatre Improvement Scheme, in association with the Wolfson Foundation, offers capital funding for theatres.

The theme for the fund for the current three-year partnership is Improving Environmental Sustainability as this is an urgent priority for the sector.

Theatre operators can apply for grants of up to £20,000 towards their building or equipment as part of the scheme.

It is hoped that these grants will support a range of projects that consider different ways theatre buildings can reduce their environmental impact. From sedum roofs to new windows, building management systems to more efficient water heaters, funding will be given to projects that demonstrate how a small intervention can have a big impact.

With thanks

The Wolfson Foundation supports our Theatre Improvement Scheme. Since Theatres Trust and the Wolfson Foundation started working together in 2017, grants totalling more than £750,000 have been awarded to help 46 theatres across the UK improve their buildings. The Wolfson Foundation renewed its support for the scheme in 2024, with a further £510,000 in total to be awarded over the next three years.

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply to the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they:

own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than 5 years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year of theatre, dance, comedy, musicals.
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.

We welcome applications from theatre venues across the UK that meet these criteria, whether voluntarily or professionally run.

You will receive a response to your application within approximately 16 weeks after the closing date, so we are not able to fund work that requires urgent or immediate attention before this time.

How to apply

We are currently reviewing the grant scheme guidelines and application form and will publish them here in spring 2024.

We are hosting a webinar on 20 May to provide guidance on applications - find out more and book your free place.

The deadline for the next round will be midday on Friday 6 September 2024.