CULTIVATE Open Call – Apply Now

CULTIVATE is Sound Connections’ development programme supporting grassroots music organisations to strengthen their organisation, deepen their practice and expand opportunities for their young people.  

For 2026-27, CULTIVATE will support six organisations based in the Midlands and North of England, who focus on nurturing emerging talent and creating pathways for young people to develop their creativity, confidence and musical skills. 

The programme is designed to: 

• Support grassroots organisations to take the next step in their development 

• Strengthen inclusive, youth-centred music practice 

• Expand access to high-quality music opportunities for young people 

• Build connections across a national network of organisations and professionals 

The programme builds on the success of CULTIVATE’s inaugural cohort, which brought together Girl Grind UK (Birmingham), Silk Futures (Cardiff), In The Making (London), Pattern+Push (Sheffield) and NxGen Music Group (Belfast) and CC Foundation (London). Over the past year, these organisations have strengthened their work, expanded opportunities for young people and demonstrated the impact of grassroots music provision across the UK. 

What the programme offers

Organisations selected for CULTIVATE will receive: 

• A £3,000 micro-grant to support programme delivery (this could be used to support existing delivery, or to test out a new idea) 

• Tailored organisational development support 

• Access to industry expertise and guidance 

• Free places on all Sound Connections training events in 2026-27 

• Opportunities to connect in person and online with a national network of peers and partners through mentoring and a community of practice  

• Opportunities for their young people to perform at WIRED UP  

• Mentoring and a supported process throughout the programme 

What we are looking to support

We are looking to support grassroots organisations who fit the following criteria: 

1. Need support to strengthen their organisational capacity and impact 
2. Are already delivering or developing music activity with young people 
3. Are deeply committed to inclusive and accessible practice 
4. Work within communities to create meaningful progression routes for young people 
5. Have existed for at least 4 years and have a turnover of up to £100,000.  
6. Must have a registered address, and deliver work, in the Midlands or North of England.  

Projects and approaches can include: 

• Developing or expanding existing music programmes 

• Creating new opportunities for young people to engage in music 
• Strengthening pathways into further training, performance, or the music industry 
• Building organisational skills, partnerships or long-term sustainability
  

Application process 

We will be holding three informal drop-in information sessions on the project to answer any questions about eligibility, please book on via the links below.  

To apply for this opportunity please complete the following form by Friday 10 July 2026 

You can access the questions offline here.  

We have thought about making the application process as clear, simple and accessible as possible, and continue to work on making sure this is the case.   

We would be really pleased to hear from you if you need additional support preparing an application or need us to make reasonable adjustments in order to apply to Cultivate.
Please contact jasminep@sound-connections.org.uk for support.  

Timeline:

• Optional drop-in session 1: 11am, Tuesday 23 June – book here
• Optional drop-in session 2: 11am, Tuesday 6 July – book here
• Applications deadline 5pm, Friday 10 July 2026
• All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 31 July

Cultivate is generously supported by The Ed Sheeran Foundation.