Universal Music Uk Sound Foundation

Charity Number: 1104027

Annual Expenditure: £0.8M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £753,182 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed 3 times yearly (January, April, September)
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £2,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK and Republic of Ireland

Contact Details

  • Website: www.umuksoundfoundation.com
  • Email: umuksoundfoundation@umusic.com
  • Phone: 020 3932 6785
  • Address: Universal Music UK, 4 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4AG

Overview

The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records, now supported by Universal Music. With charitable expenditure of £753,182 in 2023 (up from £696,504 in 2022), the Foundation has supported over 10,000 schools, individual students, and teachers across the UK and Ireland. The Foundation's mission is to improve access to music education through grants for musical instruments and equipment. It operates multiple funding streams including school awards, individual student grants, music teacher training funding, and bursaries at 11 partner music colleges. The Foundation is chaired by Adam Barker with CEO Janie Orr leading operations, supported by 12 trustees including notable figures such as YolanDa Brown OBE DL, Keith Harris OBE, and Tony Wadsworth CBE.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

School Instrument & Equipment Awards: £1,000 - £2,000

Grants for primary, secondary, junior, Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, and Further Education Colleges teaching the national curriculum. Funding must support music education beyond statutory national curriculum requirements. Applications reviewed three times yearly (January, April, September).

Individual Student Awards: Up to £1,500

For individuals in full-time education having regular music lessons from a qualified teacher or studying music at school/college. Supports purchase of musical instruments and/or equipment.

Music Teacher Training: Up to £1,000

Funding for courses and training opportunities for music teachers working within schools for one-off music courses or training.

Decca Bursary: Up to £2,000

A restricted fund launched in 2020 to celebrate Decca Records' 90th anniversary. Supports classical music education including lessons, instruments, and courses throughout the UK for individuals and ensembles.

Music College Bursaries: Variable amounts

Annual bursaries at 11 partner music colleges and organizations to assist with student fees and living expenses. Over 600 students have benefited from this program. Applications handled directly by colleges, not by the Foundation.

Priority Areas

  • Purchase and upgrade of musical instruments and equipment
  • Music education for young people beyond statutory curriculum requirements
  • Classical music education and development
  • Teacher professional development in music education
  • Support for students in financial need at music colleges
  • Access to music education regardless of financial background

What They Don't Fund

  • Retrospective funding (purchases made before application approval)
  • Music lessons or tuition fees (except through Decca Bursary)
  • Maintenance costs for instruments
  • Private music centers or businesses not teaching the national curriculum
  • Community projects outside of formal education settings
  • Multiple school applications from Trusts/Academies (each school must apply individually)
  • Projects or institutions outside UK and Republic of Ireland
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Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Adam Barker

CEO: Janie Orr

Notable Trustees (12 total):

  • YolanDa Brown OBE DL
  • Keith Harris OBE
  • Tony Wadsworth CBE

Registered Details:

  • Charity Number: 1104027
  • Company Number: 5062390

The Foundation is supported by Universal Music and maintains independence in its charitable operations. The trustee board brings together expertise from across the music industry and education sectors to guide the Foundation's strategic direction.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

School Applications:

  • Online application form available on Foundation website
  • Each school must submit its own application (no multi-school Trust/Academy applications)
  • Applications must be submitted before purchasing instruments/equipment
  • Three review periods annually

Individual Applications:

  • Application form available for download from website
  • Must demonstrate full-time education status
  • Must show evidence of regular music lessons or music study
  • Applicants must be EU/EEA nationals, British, or ordinarily/habitually resident in the UK

Bursary Applications:

  • Handled directly by partner music colleges
  • Contact specific college for application details

Decision Timeline

Applications reviewed by trustees three times per year with funding offers made in January, April, and September. Specific timeframe between application deadline and decision notification is not publicly disclosed, but applicants should allow several weeks after each review period for trustee decisions and notifications.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed by the Foundation. Over its 27-year history, the Foundation has supported over 10,000 schools, students, and teachers.

Reapplication Policy

Successful Applicants: Must wait two years from when funding was offered before reapplying

Unsuccessful Applicants: May reapply after one year

This policy ensures fair distribution of resources and gives unsuccessful applicants a reasonable opportunity to strengthen their application and reapply.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations

Educational Context Required: Applications must demonstrate clear educational benefit beyond basic curriculum requirements. The Foundation specifically states funding must be “for music education that is beyond statutory national curriculum music teaching.”

Purchase Timing Critical: The Foundation “cannot fund retrospectively,” making it essential to apply before making any purchases. Applications involving already-purchased instruments will be rejected.

Individual School Applications: For Trust or Academy settings, each school must submit separate applications. Multi-school applications are not accepted, ensuring each school articulates its specific needs.

Clear Equipment Justification: Applications should clearly demonstrate how instruments/equipment will improve access to music education for students.

Financial Need: While not explicitly stated as a requirement for school/individual awards, the Foundation's mission emphasizes “access to music education” and helping students “no matter their financial background,” suggesting financial need is a consideration.

Target Beneficiaries

The Foundation has supported “over 10,000 schools, individual students and teachers,” indicating a successful track record across all three applicant types. Applications that demonstrate broad student benefit are likely well-received.

Strategic Alignment

The Foundation's name change from EMI Music Sound Foundation to Universal Music UK Sound Foundation reflects its evolution with industry changes. Applications that acknowledge contemporary music education challenges and opportunities may resonate with trustees.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply Before Purchasing: This is non-negotiable. The Foundation cannot fund retrospectively, so submit your application and await approval before making any purchases.
  • Know Your Review Cycle: With only three decision points annually (January, April, September), timing your application is crucial. Plan well ahead of when you need the equipment.
  • Understand the Two-Year Rule: Successful applicants must wait two years before reapplying. If you receive funding, ensure you maximize its impact as you won't be able to return quickly for more.
  • Beyond the Curriculum: Clearly articulate how your project goes beyond statutory music curriculum requirements. The Foundation specifically funds enrichment and expanded access, not basic curriculum delivery.
  • Individual Applications Matter: Whether you're a school, student, or teacher, each application is treated individually. Multi-school or umbrella applications are rejected.
  • Classical Music Has Dedicated Support: If your need involves classical music education, investigate the Decca Bursary specifically, which offers up to £2,000 and includes lessons (unlike standard awards).
  • Teacher Development Valued: With a dedicated funding stream for teacher training, the Foundation recognizes that educator capacity is crucial to student access. Music teachers should not overlook this opportunity.

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References

  • Universal Music UK Sound Foundation official website, www.umuksoundfoundation.com