GRANT ROUND 10 OPENS! Continuo Foundation invites applications for £100,000 in grants for Early Music projects

1 July 2025

Continuo Foundation is offering £100,000 raised from its donors for grants to support concerts, tours and other creative projects, anywhere in the UK. The launch of this 10th funding round follows on from £950,000 in project grants awarded so far to 110 period-instrument ensembles, including 32 emerging groups.

UK-based professional ensembles with three or more period instrumentalists are eligible to apply. Once again, there will be a dedicated category for emerging groups, reflecting Continuo’s commitment to supporting the next generation of artists and new creative partnerships.

In line with Continuo’s evaluation framework, all project proposals will first be assessed on artistic merit by the Foundation’s expert Advisory Panel, with final decisions made by the Trustees, also taking into consideration audience reach and long-term impact for the sector. This two-stage evaluation process is widely recognised to have yielded a steady stream of high-quality, innovative and engaging projects, most of which would not have happened without Continuo's support.

Having identified a need among grantees for longer lead times for planning projects, Continuo is extending the project timeframe so that each grant round covers seven months, rather than six, with May and November as overlap months. This will allow grantees greater flexibility and continuity, as well as more time for effective marketing and expanding tours.

Tina Vadaneaux, Founder and CEO of Continuo Foundation, comments:

'Since 2021, Continuo Foundation has been investing £100,000 every six months to help period-instrument performers do what they do best — bring Early Music to life. In challenging times for classical music, I'm really delighted and moved to see how these grants are unleashing so many exciting new programmes, tours, and recordings shared with audiences across the UK.'

In addition to its grants, the Foundation supports the Early Music sector through a digital resource made available free of charge – ContinuoConnect.com. This website offers a directory of professional early music vocal and instrumental ensembles, concert and festival listings, articles and interviews, curated playlists and multi-media content to encourage discovery and open access to early music for audiences everywhere.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE

MADE THIS NEW ROUND OF GRANTS POSSIBLE.

Details: Applications will be open from Tuesday 1 July until 11.59pm on Tuesday 5 August. Grant decisions will be announced by Thursday, 18 September. Grants will range from £2,000 to £8,000. For full details, please refer to the Grant Round Ten page.

---

Photo credit: Stuart Armitt. Spiritato and The Marian Consort perform ‘Inspiring Bach’ a collaboration project first developed with support from Continuo Foundation.