Abo Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £19,000 (Sirens Fund)
• Success Rate: 71% (10 out of 14 applications in 2023)
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: Variable, up to £19,000 total shared between projects
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom

Contact Details

• Website: www.abo.org.uk
• Phone: 020 7759 1060
• Email: info@abo.org.uk
• Sirens Fund Contact: fiona@abo.org.uk

Overview

The ABO Trust (Charity Number 1003852) serves as an endowment fund for the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), established to support the advancement of orchestral music across the UK. With annual expenditure of approximately £52,000, the Trust focuses on procuring, sponsoring and assisting the performance of musical works of the highest quality by member orchestras. Its remit encompasses the promotion of music education, musicians' health, research projects and fundraising. The Trust plays a vital role in supporting the UK's orchestral ecosystem through targeted grant programmes that advance musical excellence and diversity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Sirens Fund: Up to £19,000 annually (supports programming of works by historical women composers)

• Application deadline: End of February annually
• Funds concerts, tours, recordings, and education work
• Projects selected by panel agreed between ABO and Diana Ambache

Find Your Way Leadership Programme: Amount undisclosed (professional development for orchestral leaders)

• 9-month transformative leadership programme
• Supported in partnership with Help Musicians

Education & Youth Ensembles Programme: Amount undisclosed (supports youth orchestra development)

• Focuses on strengthening the youth ensemble sector

Priority Areas

• Performance of high-quality musical works by ABO member orchestras
• Programming of works by historical women composers
• Leadership development in the orchestral sector
• Youth orchestra and music education initiatives
• Musicians' health and wellbeing
• Research projects advancing orchestral practice

What They Don't Fund

• Non-ABO member organizations
• Individual musicians (grants are for organizations)
• General operating costs
• Projects outside the UK

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust operates with 5 trustees who receive no remuneration. It works closely with the Association of British Orchestras leadership team to align funding priorities with sector needs. Diana Ambache, who donated £200,000 to establish the Sirens Fund in 2016, remains involved in the selection panel for Sirens grants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Sirens Fund: Applications open annually with submission via the ABO website (https://abo.org.uk/what-we-do/developing/sirens)

• Application form available on website
• Deadline: End of February each year
• Contact fiona@abo.org.uk for queries

Other Programmes: Contact the ABO directly for information about accessing support for leadership and education programmes

Decision Timeline

• Applications close: End of February
• Awards announced: June
• Funded performances: June of application year to July of following year

Success Rates

• 2023: 10 awards from 14 applications (71% success rate)
• 2024: 8 awards made
• 2025: 12 ABO members received grants

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply annually for Sirens Fund grants. No restrictions on unsuccessful applicants reapplying in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

• Membership requirement: Must be a full or associate member of the ABO
• Programme alignment: Projects should clearly advance understanding and appreciation of music by historical women composers
• Range and value: Demonstrate significant impact potential across concerts, tours, recordings or education work
• Quality focus: Emphasis on performances of the highest musical quality
• Innovation: Projects that break new ground in programming overlooked repertoire
• Recent success examples: 2025 recipients included major orchestras (London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra) alongside youth organizations (National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Orchestras for All)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• ABO membership is an absolute requirement - ensure membership is current before applying
• Focus applications on advancing specific Trust priorities, particularly underrepresented composers
• Demonstrate clear educational or public benefit beyond just performance
• Sirens Fund has a strong track record with over 70% success rate
• Annual application cycle means planning ahead is essential
• Multiple grant streams available but all require ABO membership
• Trust particularly values projects that align with diversity and inclusion goals

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Hattori Foundation
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
• THE VINEHILL TRUST
• The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation
• Drake Calleja Trust
• The Delius Trust
• Colwinston Charitable Trust
• THE BORIS KARLOFF CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
• The Victoria Wood Foundation

References

• Association of British Orchestras website (https://abo.org.uk) -
• ABO Sirens Fund page (https://abo.org.uk/what-we-do/developing/sirens) -
• Charity Commission Register (https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1003852) -
• ABO news announcements regarding Sirens Fund awards 2022-2025
• ABO annual programmes information