The Actors' Children's Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £400,000 (grants distributed in year to March 2024)
• Families Supported: 244 actors' families with 311 children (2023-24)
• Decision Time: Within a few days for eligibility confirmation
• Grant Range: £20 - £2,500 (depending on grant type)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
• Founded: Over 125 years ago (c. 1905)

Contact Details

Address: 11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR

Website: www.actorschildren.org

Phone: +44 20 4591 8585 / 020 7636 7868

Email: info@actorschildren.org / robert@actorschildren.org

Instagram: @actorschildren

Note: All information provided is treated with the strictest confidence

Overview

The Actors' Children's Trust (ACT) was founded over 125 years ago by Mrs. Carson and Sir Henry Irving, initially operating as an orphanage before evolving into a family support charity. With annual grant distribution of nearly £400,000 (2023-24), ACT supports professional actors' families across the UK through direct financial grants, casework, and advocacy services. The charity's mission focuses on “reducing the risk of family crises by providing resources, support and financial stability to the children of actors and actors with children—fostering a more inclusive, representative and authentic dramatic arts community.” ACT supported 311 children from 244 actors' families in the year to March 2024, providing grants alongside expert casework that helps families navigate statutory services and achieve positive outcomes for special educational needs support. The organization has a prestigious history with notable Presidents including Noel Coward (1934-1956), Laurence Olivier (1956-1989), and Richard Attenborough (1989-2014).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

SEND Support Grants

• Private assessments: Up to £2,500 per child
• Therapy support (dyslexia, dyspraxia, physiotherapy, conductive education): Up to £500/month per child
• Available up to age 26 for children with additional needs
• Application method: Rolling basis

School Cost Grants

• Uniform, lunches, and transport: Up to £500 per child per term
• School trips: Up to £750 per child per year
• Laptops (where required by school): Up to £450 per child
• Application method: Rolling basis

Childcare Grants

• Self-taping for castings: Up to £20/day per child
• Broader childcare grants currently paused (note: subject to change)
• Application method: Rolling basis

Children's Activities

• Activities grants: Up to £200 per child per term
• Supports creative and sporting activities, including talented young people
• Application method: Rolling basis

Young People's Grants

• Ages 16-18: £500 per term
• Ages 18+ university start-up: £1,000 per student (limited availability, priority for undergraduates under 21)
• Application method: Rolling basis

Other Support

• New baby grants: £450 for one baby, £750 for twins
• Moving home support: Up to £1,000
• Application method: Rolling basis

Priority Areas

ACT's top priority is reducing the risk of families reaching crisis point. The charity funds:

• Educational costs (excluding private school fees)
• Special educational needs assessments and support
• Childcare to help actor-parents stay in work
• Travel and housing costs
• Therapies and interventions
• Essential school and after-school activities
• Kit, uniform, and equipment
• Mental health support
• Emergency childcare
• Respite care

What They Don't Fund

• Private school fees
• Legal costs
• Unpaid acting work, presenting, teaching, stand-up comedy, or supporting artist work (these don't count toward professional actor eligibility)

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees and Staff (2024-25)

Chair: David Rintoul

Treasurer: Kate Humphrey

CEO: Maxine Smeaton

Other Trustees: Genevieve Allenbury, Annie Campbell, Rebecca Crankshaw, Jim Curtis, Buffy Davis, Lee Dean, Alasdair Evans, Myette Godwyni, Daniel Hill, Julia Watson

The organization has 11 trustees total, none of whom receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The team is described as “dedicated” with “compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by performers with families.”

Notable Historical Leadership

• Founding President: Sir Henry Irving (c. 1905)
• Second President: Cyril Maude (1905-1914)
• Fourth President: Noel Coward (1934-1956)
• Fifth President: Laurence Olivier (1956-1989)
• President: Richard Attenborough (1989-2014) - also served as Chairman from 1956 and committee member from 1947

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Initial Contact

• Contact ACT via their website contact form, email (info@actorschildren.org), or phone (+44 20 4591 8585)
• Submit a completed eligibility form and CV of paid acting work (Spotlight CVs are accepted)

Step 2: Eligibility Confirmation

• Eligibility is reviewed confidentially by a panel of Trustees and the executive director
• Decision typically made within a few days
• If eligible, ACT will email their short application form

Step 3: Application Form

• Complete and return the short application form
• If forms are difficult, ACT can take information by phone and email
• The organization emphasizes being “straightforward and non-judgemental”

Application Method: Rolling basis - applications accepted throughout the year

Decision Timeline

• Eligibility confirmation: Within a few days
• Full application review: Rapid turnaround (typically within days to weeks)
• Notification method: Email
• Annual review: Support is reviewed annually and can continue based on ongoing need

Success Rates

Specific success rate statistics are not publicly available. However, the organization supported 311 children from 244 families in 2023-24, suggesting a significant level of ongoing support for eligible families.

Reapplication Policy

Support is reviewed annually, allowing families to continue receiving grants as long as eligibility criteria are met. Eligibility can end if:

• The actor permanently leaves the profession
• Household income exceeds £35,000
• Support may continue after an actor-parent's death, based on need

No specific waiting period mentioned for reapplication if initially unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Emphasis on Flexibility and Responsiveness

ACT emphasizes: “If it benefits your child, just ask” - demonstrating their flexible, family-centered approach to grant-making.

Key Success Factors

1. Clear Demonstration of Professional Actor Status

• Provide comprehensive CV of paid acting work (Spotlight CVs welcomed)
• Show consistency of professional work over time
• Include international work if applicable

2. Financial Need

• Be transparent about household income (under £35,000 threshold)
• Demonstrate how the grant would reduce crisis risk or support family stability

3. Child-Centered Applications

• Focus on how the grant benefits the child
• Explain specific needs clearly (SEND support, educational costs, activities, etc.)
• Provide context about why the support is needed now

4. Openness and Communication

• ACT is described as “straightforward and non-judgemental”
• Families can provide information by phone and email if forms are difficult
• The organization values confidentiality and treats all information with strict confidence

Examples of Funded Support

Recent testimonials show ACT funding:

• "At a time when we were really struggling, we're so grateful to ACT for supporting us with the cost of our son's ASD assessment and expert SEN advice"
• Grants that allowed families to “access targeted therapy and tools” for children's support needs
• Support for talented young people in the arts and sport
• Emergency childcare to help actor-parents stay in work

What Reviewers Look For

• Professional eligibility: Clear evidence of professional paid acting work
• Financial need: Income under threshold with limited savings
• Child benefit: How the grant directly supports child wellbeing and reduces family crisis risk
• Specific need: Clear articulation of what the grant will fund
• Ongoing support: Many families receive support over multiple years, suggesting the organization values long-term relationships

Casework and Advocacy Advantage

Beyond grants, ACT offers casework support including:

• Help achieving positive EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans)
• Support navigating statutory services
• Expert SEN advice
• This holistic approach suggests applicants should mention if they need support beyond just financial grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Fast, Accessible Process: With eligibility decisions within days and a rolling application system, ACT prioritizes rapid response to families in need. Don't delay applying if you meet the criteria.

1. Professional Actor Definition is Specific: Ensure your CV clearly demonstrates paid, booked acting roles. Presenting, teaching, stand-up, and supporting artist work don't count toward eligibility, so focus on professional acting credits.

1. Income Threshold is Firm but Fair: The £35,000 household income limit is clear, but the charity excludes up to £6,000 in savings and doesn't penalize families for children's savings or HMRC funds. Be transparent about finances.

1. Child-Centered Philosophy: ACT's mission is reducing family crisis risk and supporting children's wellbeing. Frame applications around how the grant directly benefits the child and prevents escalation of family difficulties.

1. Flexibility is Key: The phrase “If it benefits your child, just ask” signals ACT's responsive approach. If you have a need that doesn't fit neatly into their listed categories but would genuinely help your child, it's worth asking.

1. Long-Term Support Available: Annual reviews and ongoing support for many families suggest ACT values sustained relationships. Don't view this as a one-time grant opportunity—successful applicants often receive multi-year support.

1. Beyond Money—Casework Matters: ACT offers expert casework, advocacy, and advice alongside grants. If you need help navigating SEND systems, statutory services, or EHCPs, mention this in your application to access the full range of support.

References

1. The Actors' Children's Trust official website - Homepage. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - About ACT. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/about-act/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - Eligibility Criteria. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/eligibility-criteria/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - Ways We Can Help/Funding for Your Child. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/how-act-helps/funding-for-your-child/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - Who We Help. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/how-act-helps/who-we-help/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - Trustees & Staff. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/trustees-staff/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - Our History. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/our-history/

1. The Actors' Children's Trust - Contact ACT. (2024). Retrieved from https://actorschildren.org/contact-act/

1. UK Charity Commission - THE ACTORS' CHILDREN'S TRUST (Charity No. 1177106). Retrieved from https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1177106&subid=0

1. Acting for Others - The Actors' Children's Trust member charity page. Retrieved from https://actingforothers.co.uk/member-charity/the-actors-childrens-trust/

1. Council for Disabled Children - Actors Children's Trust (ACT) member profile. Retrieved from https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/work-us/membership/meet-our-members/actors-childrens-trust-act