The Fidelio Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £90,549 (year ended March 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Within 2 months of deadline
• Grant Range: Up to £5,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-based individuals and groups (work can be overseas)
• Application Method: Three fixed deadlines per year

Contact Details

Website: www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk

Email: admin@fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk

Phone: 020 8292 9975

Registered Office: Brian Cook Associates, Marine House, 151 Western Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3LH

Charity Number: 1112508

Overview

The Fidelio Charitable Trust was established in 2008 through an endowment from the late Tony Wingate, described as “an inspirational teacher with a great love of the arts, particularly music.” The Trust received its initial funding from a family trust in May 2008. With annual giving of approximately £90,000, the Trust advances education of the public in the arts, particularly in Music (including Opera, Lieder, and Composition) and Dance. The Trust specifically targets individuals over 21 and groups of exceptional ability who are at early stages of their careers and would not be able to carry out their projects without financial support. All applications must be submitted through supporting institutions, colleges, arts festivals, or similar recognized arts organizations rather than directly from individuals. The Trust operates with five volunteer trustees and no paid staff.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Arts Development Grants: Up to £5,000

• Single grant stream with fixed deadlines three times per year
• Grants typically support projects no longer than 12 months
• Applications accepted via online form submitted by email
• Three application rounds: January, May, and September deadlines

Priority Areas

Primary Focus: Music, including Opera, Lieder, and Composition

Secondary Focus: Dance, and the dramatic and operatic arts, speech

Eligible Activities:

• Special tuition or coaching (e.g., Master Classes for musicians)
• Participation in external competitions
• Specially arranged performances
• Support for special publications, musical compositions, or works of art

Target Beneficiaries:

• Individuals over 21 with exceptional ability
• Groups of exceptional ability
• Those at early stages of their careers
• Artists who demonstrate real financial need
• UK-based artists (work location can be overseas)

Match Funding: The Trust welcomes match funding contributions given its limited annual expenditure of around £100,000

What They Don't Fund

• Self-funded applications (must be submitted through institutions)
• Activities for people under 21
• School-age children's fees
• Capital items
• Retrospective expenditure (work already completed)
• Individuals or groups applying directly without institutional support

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (5 trustees, all unpaid)

Dr. Patricia Morison (Appointed March 2018)

• Also serves as trustee of The James and Lucilla Joll Charitable Trust

Barbara Arnold (Appointed March 2018)

• Also serves as trustee of The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation and The Scops Arts Trust

Elizabeth Rantzen (Appointed October 2016)

• Also serves as trustee of Rehearsal Orchestra and The 29th May 1961 Charity

Jennifer Marsha Wingate

• Family connection to founder Tony Wingate

Robert Boas

• Also serves as trustee of Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival, Amscordi Limited, The National Life Story Collection, and The Nicholas Boas Charitable Trust

The Trust values its founder's legacy: “Tony was an inspirational teacher and had a great love of the arts, particularly music.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online form submission via email only

Process:

1. Complete the Fidelio Application Form (available on website)
2. Save form and all attachments as PDF files
3. Rename files to include your organization name
4. Include organization name in email subject header
5. Email to: admin@fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk
6. Optional: Include one A4 page cover letter

Application Deadlines (2026):

• Round 1: January 16, 2026
• Round 2: May 15, 2026
• Round 3: September 25, 2026

Decision Timeline

• Trustee meetings held three times per year (spring, summer, autumn)
• Successful applicants notified within 2 months of relevant closing date
• If no acknowledgement received within 2 months, assume application unsuccessful
• Trust does not contact unsuccessful applicants or discuss unsuccessful applications

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. Based on annual expenditure of approximately £90,000 and maximum grants of £5,000, the Trust likely makes between 18-30 awards per year across three funding rounds.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not explicitly state restrictions on reapplication. Previous grant recipients must include their last grant report with any new application.

Application Success Factors

Exceptional Ability: The Trust explicitly states beneficiaries must be “particularly able and/or gifted” with exceptional ability in their art form.

Demonstrated Financial Need: The Trust emphasizes supporting those who “would not be able to carry out a project or activity without financial support.” Applications should clearly demonstrate real need.

Early Career Focus: The Trust has “a particular focus on supporting those who are at an early stage in their career.” Applications from established artists may be less competitive.

Strong Institutional Support: Since applications cannot be submitted directly by individuals, the strength and relevance of the supporting institution matters. The Trust prefers “Institutions, Colleges, Arts Festivals or other similar arts organisations in the United Kingdom with recognised relevant expertise, preferably registered charities.”

Clear Selection Process: Applications must explain “how the proposed beneficiaries were or will be selected,” demonstrating a transparent and rigorous selection process.

Supporting Evidence: Include “links to websites giving more information about the beneficiaries, with excerpts from existing work/past performances, where applicable.”

Detailed Project Planning: Applications must include comprehensive information about the contact person, institution details, beneficiary information, grant objectives, detailed spending plan, and other funding sources.

Self-Assessment: The Trust states “the advice and instructions given here should enable applicants to decide for themselves on the eligibility of their proposed applications.” Trustees will not reply to general questions about eligibility, so applicants must carefully self-assess fit.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Institutional pathway is mandatory: Individual artists cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by an institution, college, arts festival, or similar organization with recognized expertise in the arts
• Early-career artists preferred: The Trust explicitly prioritizes those at the beginning of their careers, making this less suitable for established artists
• Demonstrate genuine need: Financial necessity is crucial; clearly articulate why the project cannot proceed without this support
• Music is the primary focus: While dance and dramatic arts are eligible, the Trust's heritage and trustee expertise lean heavily toward music, opera, lieder, and composition
• Keep it concise: The Trust limits cover letters to one A4 page and provides clear form guidance, signaling they value conciseness and clarity
• No communication about rejections: The Trust will not discuss unsuccessful applications, so ensure applications are fully polished before submission
• Match funding welcomed: Given limited annual resources, demonstrating other funding sources may strengthen applications

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund
• Backstage Trust
• The Victoria Wood Foundation
• THE LINBURY TRUST
• The Thistle Trust
• The Ofenheim Charitable Trust
• The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
• Colwinston Charitable Trust
• Thriplow Charitable Trust
• KATHLEEN BERYL SLEIGH CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• The Fidelio Charitable Trust official website: www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk
• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 1112508: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1112508
• “How To Apply” page: https://www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk/howtoapply.php
• “About Us” page: https://www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk/aboutus.php
• Charity Commission Trustee Information: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4020129/trustees
• Various funding directory entries including Funding Scotland, Get Grants, and Artquest