Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any restrictions on who or what PRSF supports?
Please note that unfortunately the PRS for Music Foundation CANNOT currently support:
- individuals
- recordings/demos
- college fees
- equipment purchase
- activity taking place outside the UK
What kind of projects does the PRS for Music Foundation support?
The PRS for Music Foundation has funded a wide range of new music projects throughout the UK. To read about some of these please visit the 'Projects We've Funded' section of this website.
How do I get hold of an application form?
Application guidance notes can be downloaded from the Application Forms section of this site. These will give you guidelines for the application form and a link to fill in the form online. If you have trouble downloading the guidance or accessing the online application form, please contact the Applications Team.
Can I send in my application form in a paper copy rather than online?
All application forms for funding are now filled in online. However, if you would like to write your application in Word and send it in by post, you still can. Please contact the Applications Team for more information.
Can I contact PRSF before making an application?
Yes. Please contact the Applications Team at applications@prsformusicfoundation.com - they will be able to tell if your proposal is eligible to be considered and will guide you regarding which is the best scheme to apply for. This can help save you time and avoid disappointment.
Can I contact PRSF to make sure my application has been received?
Please do not call or email to find out if your application has arrived, as we receive many applications and it can take some time before they are all processed. We will send out acknowledgement letters to all applicants shortly after the deadline.
How much funding can I apply for?
The PRS for Music Foundation's average award in 2008 was in the region of £3,000 with awards ranging from £500 to £10,000.
It is important to ask the PRS for Music Foundation for a realistic sum in order that we can support applicants at a realistic level. If you would like guidance please contact the Applications Team by emailing applications@prsformusicfoundation.com
Please note that you can only apply to one scheme per calendar year, regardless of the outcome.
The PRS Foundation can not consider applications for the same project more than once, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Should I ask for a specific amount from the PRS for Music Foundation?
Yes - you will need to give the PRS for Music Foundation a specific amount that you would like PRSF to donate.
How much money does the PRS for Music Foundation have to distribute?
The PRS Foundation distributed £1.3 million during 2008.
How does PRS for Music Foundation define "new music"?
“New music” for the purposes of a PRSF application is music in any genre written by a living UK-based music creator (composer or songwriter). We want to make it possible for music as an artform to live and grow. The range of genres we support is wide, including contemporary classical, rock/pop, folk, world, jazz, electronic, sound art and the plethora of styles making up ‘urban’. In everything we support, we are aiming for high quality, imaginative and groundbreaking music to be created and to reach new audiences.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Around two months after the date of the deadline. This varies slightly from time to time but your acknowledgement letter will state the date of the relevant Trustees meeting. This means that if you are applying for a particular project, you need to remember that it cannot take place within the two months after the relevant deadline as the Trustees cannot fund retrospectively. We will contact you in writing as soon as the final decision is made.
I would like to commission a new work but don't really know how to go about it, can the PRS for Music Foundation guide me?
PRSF offers some financial support for commissions through our Awards for New Works scheme, but there are excellent guidelines available on the Making Music Website: www.makingmusic.org.uk
Does the PRS for Music Foundation fully fund projects?
Yes and No! We do not require partnership funding although it is impossible for us to fully fund all applicants, so generally we will make a contribution to an overall budget.
Do I need to supply all the information asked for on the application form?
Yes please. The PRS for Music Foundation's forms are very simple but we must collect the information we request, not only so that we can consider your application but also because we are accountable to the Charity Commission in relation to our working practices. If you are not sure about anything, please contact the Applications Team at applications@prsformusicfoundation.com
Can I get feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
As a general rule the PRS for Music Foundation cannot not offer feedback, simply because of the number of applications that are submitted. However, in exceptional circumstances PRSF may offer feedback, but this will be initiated by the PRS for Music Foundation itself.
Do you help or advise individuals to promote their music?
No, the PRS for Music Foundation does not undertake to offer professional development advice to individuals.
Who are the Trustees of the PRS for Music Foundation?
Please visit the 'About Us' section of our website.