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
- sole traders and companies limited by shares
- recordings/demos
- college fees
- equipment purchase
- activity taking place outside the UK (except British Music Abroad)
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.
Why are there now 4 deadlines a year?
From 2010 there are four deadlines per year for the Awards to Performances Groups, Festivals, Promoters, Organisations and New Works schemes; an increase on the one or two deadlines per year previously available per scheme.
The change forms part of PRSF’s mission to remain a proactive and approachable funder, and responds to feedback from previous applicants and PRSF’s recent impact study. Find out more information
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 the link to fill in the form online. If you have trouble downloading the guidance or accessing the online application form (the link is at the end of the guidance notes), please contact the Applications Team.
Can I contact PRSF before making an application?
Yes, you can 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. However, please be aware that we are a small team and it can take up to 5 working days to reply to your enquiry.
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 hundreds of applications at each deadline and it can take some time before they are all processed. We will send out acknowledgement emails to all applicants shortly after the deadline.
How much funding can I apply for?
The PRS for Music Foundation's average award in 2009 was in the region of £3,000 with awards ranging from £500 to £10,000.
It is important to ask PRSF for a realistic sum in order that we can support applicants at a realistic level.
Please note that you can only apply to one scheme per calendar year, regardless of the outcome.
The PRS for Music 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. Please make this clear in your budget.
How much money does the PRS for Music Foundation have to distribute?
The PRS Foundation distributed £1.3 million during 2009.
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 urban. In everything we support, we are aiming for high quality, imaginative and innovative music to be created and to reach new audiences.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
These dates are given within the application guidance notes, but it is usually 8 weeks after the deadline. Your acknowledgement email 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?
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 do not include all the requested information, your application will be rejected.
What if I can't attach documents?
Please note that you will need to use one of the following web browsers in order to complete the application: Internet Explorer 7 or 8, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, Safari 3.2 (for Mac). If this doesn't help, please don't call us - email applications@prsformusicfoundation.com with your attachments and your organisation name as the subject line. These will then be added to your application.
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. We can also give advice if applying again the next year.
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.