The Tait Memorial Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £92,500+
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Annual awards cycle
• Grant Range: £2,000-£10,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-based support for artists from Australia and New Zealand

Contact Details

• Website: www.taitmemorialtrust.org
• Email: info@taitmemorialtrust.org

Overview

The Tait Memorial Trust was established in 1992 by Isla Baring OAM to honour the legacy of Sir Frank and Viola Tait and the Tait brothers, who made significant contributions to the performing arts. As a registered charity in England & Wales (No. 1042797), the Trust provides crucial support for postgraduate performing artists from Australia and New Zealand while they are resident in the UK. The Trust focuses on nurturing emerging talent through awards, grants, and performance opportunities, helping young musicians and dancers advance their careers at critical stages of their professional development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Trust offers two main grant streams:

• Music Grants: Supporting postgraduate musicians and early career artists from Australia and New Zealand
• Leanne Benjamin Awards: Supporting dancers from Australia and New Zealand

Priority Areas

• Postgraduate study support for performing artists
• Performance opportunities for early career musicians
• Professional development for dancers
• Supporting Australian and New Zealand artists during UK residency

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust appears to exclusively support:

• Only artists from Australia and New Zealand (or current residents/domiciled in these countries)
• Only those at postgraduate level or early career stage
• Only performing artists (musicians and dancers)
• Only those resident in or studying in the UK
• For musicians, composers, conductors, and singers: only those under 35 years of age

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is led by its founder, Isla Baring OAM, who serves as Chairman and established the organisation to honour the Tait family's contribution to the performing arts. The governance structure includes:

• A Trustees Committee
• A dedicated Music Board
• A Leanne Benjamin Awards Board (chaired by patron Leanne Benjamin AM OBE)

This multi-board structure suggests specialised expertise in evaluating applications across different performing arts disciplines.

How to Apply to The Tait Memorial Trust

How to Apply

The Trust operates separate application processes for:

• Music Grants
• Dance Grants (Leanne Benjamin Awards)

Applications are accepted on an annual cycle. For ensemble or project applications, applicants should contact info@taitmemorialtrust.org with a detailed proposal.

Decision Timeline

The Trust operates on an annual awards cycle with applications typically closing in early March.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Given the Trust's specific focus, successful applicants are likely to demonstrate:

• Clear Australian or New Zealand nationality/residency/domicile
• Postgraduate level study or early career status
• For musicians, composers, conductors, and singers: under 35 years of age
• Plans for or current UK residency
• Excellence in music or dance performance
• Clear professional development goals
• How UK-based study or performance opportunities will advance their career

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a highly specialised funder focusing exclusively on Australian and New Zealand performing artists in the UK
• The Trust honours a significant performing arts legacy, so applications should demonstrate artistic excellence
• Two distinct funding streams exist - ensure you apply to the correct programme
• Individual awards range from £2,000 to £10,000 depending on the specific award
• The Trust has been making awards consistently for over three decades, indicating stable funding
• Direct contact via email may be necessary to obtain specific application guidelines
• The multi-board governance structure suggests thorough, specialist evaluation of applications
• Age restrictions apply for music awards (under 35)

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• The Vox Musica Trust
• The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation
• Drake Calleja Trust
• The Ofenheim Charitable Trust
• Backstage Trust
• The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
• Thriplow Charitable Trust
• The Linbury Trust
• Countess Of Munster Musical Trust

References

• The Tait Memorial Trust official website (www.taitmemorialtrust.org)
• Charity Commission for England and Wales registration (Charity No. 1042797)