The Hitmaker Fund

This is money for the people whose names sit in the credits rather than on the poster. It buys time to write, studio hire, tracking, training courses, professional development, and international sessions or writing camps that build your profile. Equipment and software are covered only up to a quarter of their cost. It will not pay for touring, a van, building a studio, or anything a label or publisher deal should already be covering.

It is aimed squarely at behind-the-scenes songwriters and producers based in the UK who are past the demoing stage and at what the foundation calls a tipping point. You need to be a PRS for Music member with a CAE number and at least five credited works registered — real cuts, national radio or streaming plays, or songs from a reputable camp. You must submit at least two commercially released works, and advisors will listen to them. Performing artists, bands, and DJs who release their own music are pointed to other schemes. Anyone signed to a major label or publisher is effectively ruled out.

Grants run from £5,000 to £10,000 and are not expected to cover the whole project — applications asking for 100% of costs rarely succeed. Managers, publishers or lawyers may apply on a creator's behalf. There are two deadlines a year, submissions close at 6pm, and a panel of industry advisors decides within about twelve weeks. The strongest applications show a concrete plan and explain exactly why the money is needed now.