You should apply for funding: Advice on how I got my Youth Music Next Gen Grant
Youth Music NextGen Fund Round 6 Opens at the end April - the fund offers young creatives grants of up to £2,500 to make their ideas happen. Access funding is available for Disabled and Neurodivergent
I was lucky enough to receive the Youth Music Next Gen Fund too …
Support my artistic development by subsiding group singing lessons (Check the Vlog)
Paying for some studio time and part of my producers fee
Paying myself to create a content series on my experiences as a Black Neurodivergent Women (and this newsletter)
The financial support has been a crucial support to my first ever EP and has been such a boost for my transition into music. Here’s what I did to help me put my best foot forward !
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Make sure you know what you (and collaborators) want
Breaking down bigger picture goals in to a short period time takes practice.The Golden Circle Theory by Simon Sink applies a lot to creative strategic thinking.
You have to start with why !
Why do you want to create a music based project (check out awarded projects )
Why are you embarking on funding at this stage of your life ? What was the catalyst for this change ?
The move to HOW
If you want to collaborate with people have conversations about fees upfront if you are applying for funding. For example for production of my EP I asked my producers what fee they would need to take part and added this to the budget.
What will you do with the grant
Breakdown how into a project timeline - get a piece of paper or a notion page and start.
Over time you will finesse it.
Make sure you understand terms & conditions
The easy read version of Youth Music’s Next Gen Fund helped me understand expectations so I could adapt what my ideas based on the eligibility.
If you are better visual learner check out their YouTube Channel
ASK FOR ADVICE OR SUPPORT
You can request a 1:1 with Youth Music team to help clarify requirements for the application. The team are really friendly and they want you to succeed ! My call with one of the team was so encouraging and gave me a positive mindset shift.
For Disabled and Neurodivergent Folk: “You can also apply for support with the costs of making an application via Youth Music’s Access Fund. This is a separate process so don’t include costs related to planning and submitting your application within your budget.” - Easy Read Guidance by Youth Music
Be YOUR storyteller
You will have an opportunity to share your story to demonstrate how this will be benefit either your career, audience or business development via portfolio document and project plan.
I found it easier to project and story via video, as I could also demonstrate my skills via sound design but also emotively connect with the grant reviewers.
Top tip: Choose good references who can tell your story as well - If you take part in music drop-in sessions at your local youth club or you know of a professional who has seen your progress
Protect your time
Applying for Grant applications require dedicated time to review language and intention.
Before the next round opens get your diary and dedicate time in your calendar to spend on your application.
All the best with your application - you got this !
Check out my upcoming shows !