PRS Foundation Open Fund for Music Creators

PRS Foundation Open Fund for Music Creators provides grants of up to 5,000 GBP to UK-based songwriters, composers, and artists at any career stage. It supports the creation, performance, and promotion of outstanding new music in any genre.

How PRS Foundation Open Fund Works

PRS Foundation is the UK's leading charitable funder of new music. It is affiliated with PRS for Music, the UK performing rights organization. The Open Fund for Music Creators is one of several funding initiatives.

The fund supports the development of outstanding music creators of all genres and backgrounds at different career stages. Grants of up to 5,000 GBP are available. Previous recipients include Young Fathers, Afrodeutsche, Jasdeep Singh, and Ruth Lyon.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be based in the UK (applications can be made by representatives such as managers, labels, or publishers on behalf of UK-based creators)
• Must be aged 18 or over
• Must have a track record of more than 18 months
• Must not be a previous recipient of the PPL Momentum Fund, The Writer Producer Fund, Hitmaker, or The Composers Fund
• Must not be signed to a major record label
• Must not be in full-time education (unless an exception is made by the Grants Team)
• Must be a member of PRS or in a position to join

Projects must fulfill three funding priorities:

1. Support the creation, performance, and promotion of outstanding new music in any genre
2. Enable the UK's most talented music creators to realize their potential
3. Reach audiences at a local, regional, national, or international level

PRS Foundation operates two Open Fund deadlines in 2026. The first round opened on February 25, 2026 with a deadline of March 18, 2026. The second round opens on August 17, 2026 with a deadline of September 7, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 6pm on the day of the deadline. Applicants can only apply to the Open Fund for Music Creators once per calendar year. Decisions are communicated within 10 weeks of a deadline passing.

PRS Foundation also runs the PPL Momentum Music Fund, which offers grants of 5,000 to 15,000 GBP for UK-based artists and bands ready to break through to the next level. Activities eligible for Momentum funding include recording, touring, and marketing. The 2026 Momentum deadline opens on September 28, 2026 with a deadline of October 26, 2026. Previous recipients include Little Simz, Sam Fender, Kae Tempest, and Anna Meredith. PRS Foundation also operates the POWER UP program for Black music creators (2026 deadline: March 9) and the Composers' Fund (2026 deadline: October 7).

Real-World Example

A UK-based composer working on a new chamber piece would apply for the Open Fund. They request 4,500 GBP to fund a workshop with professional musicians, a public performance, and a studio recording. If awarded, they receive the full 4,500 GBP. They use 2,000 GBP for musician fees, 1,500 GBP for venue and recording costs, and 1,000 GBP for promotion. The performance reaches an audience of 200 people. The recording is released on streaming platforms, generating ongoing royalty income through PRS for Music.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are a UK-based music creator with at least 18 months of activity, the Open Fund offers direct project funding with no repayment required. The 5,000 GBP maximum can cover recording, performance, and promotion costs. The fund is open to all genres, from classical to electronic to folk.

Apply through the PRS Foundation website. Read the guidance and FAQ documents carefully before applying. Clearly explain why your project matters for your creative development and how it will reach audiences. If you are not yet a PRS member, join before applying. If your project is larger in scope, consider the PPL Momentum Music Fund (5,000 to 15,000 GBP) instead.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

The fund is only for UK-based music creators. International artists are not eligible. You must have a track record of more than 18 months. Complete beginners do not qualify. If you have already received a PPL Momentum Fund, Writer Producer Fund, Hitmaker, or Composers Fund grant, you cannot apply for the Open Fund. Artists signed to major record labels are excluded. Full-time students are generally not eligible. The 5,000 GBP maximum may not cover large-scale projects. Competition is high. PRS Foundation receives many more applications than it can fund.

Related Opportunities

• Music Scholarships Directory
• Help Musicians UK for UK musician support
• Countess of Munster Musical Trust for UK music students
• RPS Royal Philharmonic Society for UK classical music support
• Royal Overseas League for Commonwealth musicians
• All the Music Royalties You Should Be Collecting in 2026 for understanding UK royalty collection
• 21 Ways Musicians Can Earn Income in 2026 for additional funding strategies
• Visit PRS Foundation Open Fund to apply