by Author Zoe Kilb

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Trailblazer Fund and Catalyser Fund Questions and Answers

Updated on 07 November 2023

These are questions we have received about our Trailblazer and Catalyser funds.
 

What's changed?  

Over the summer we paused both funds to make some small but significant improvements. Full details of each improvement can be found in the guidance document for the relevant fund. We have provided a short summary below. 

Trailblazer Fund 

  • Schools are no longer eligible to apply for this fund.
  • We have updated our safeguarding requirements and the application form questions.
  • IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) is our new and improved approach to EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).
  • We have provided clarity around the inclusion of contingency costs in budgets and updated our match funding guidance.
  • We have further diversified the people involved in our decision-making processes.

Download the Trailblazer Fund guidance for full details.

Catalyser Fund 

  • Schools are no longer eligible to apply for this fund.
  • We have updated our safeguarding requirements and the application form questions.
  • IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) is our new and improved approach to EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).
  • You are no longer required to set outcomes for the Catalyser Fund.
  • We have provided clarity around the inclusion of contingency costs in budgets.
  • We have reduced our match funding requirements for the Catalyser Fund. 
  • You can now present key elements of your Catalyser Fund proposal in a wider range of format options.
  • We have further diversified the people involved in our decision-making processes.
  • There is now only one round of Catalyser Fund per year.

Download the Catalyser Fund guidance for full details.

 

The application process
 

When does our project need to start?
Your work needs to start between 6 weeks and 3 months of notification. For example, Trailblazer Fund Round 6 notification will be on 26 April 2024 so projects need to start between 07 June 2024 and 26 July 2024. For Catalyser Fund Round 4 notification will be on 08 November 2024 so programmes need to start between 20 December 2024 and 08 February 2025.

How many funding rounds do you have each year?
We aim to have three Trailblazer Fund rounds per year and one Catalyser Fund round per year. All confirmed funding round dates are on the Youth Music Network.

How long until you hear results after making an application?
All notification dates are published on the Youth Music Network.
For the Trailblazer Fund you will hear whether your application has been successful or not, around 3 months after the funding round deadline.
For the Catalyser Fund you will hear whether your Expression of Interest has been invited through to Stage 2 (the full application form) around 2-3 months after the deadline. And you will hear whether or not your application has been successful 2-3 months after the Stage 2 (application form) deadline.

What are the dates for future funding rounds?
All confirmed funding round dates are on the Youth Music Network.

Where can I see a list of your funding priorities?
You can find out our latest funding priorities for the Trailblazer Fund and the Catalyser Fund on the Youth Music Network.

We were successful at the Expression of Interest stage of the Catalyser Fund, however our situation has changed and can no longer put in an application for Stage 2. Do we have to start over for the next round or can we defer our application? 
Unfortunately appliations cannot be deferred. You will need to submit a new Expression of Interest in a future round for your application to be considered. You are however welcome to submit the same proposal, but make sure you speak to Youth Music's Grants & Learning team before re-submitting. 

We were successful at the Expression of Interest stage of the Catalyser Fund; the stage 2 application form asks us to reattach our proposal – does this mean we have to write a brand-new proposal?
We ask you to reattach your proposal, so we can be completely sure we have the most up to date version. We may have asked you to make some changes between the Expression of Interest and application stage or maybe things have changed at your end - so you might need to make some changes to your proposal. But if nothing has changed it is fine to re-upload the same document.

We were successful at the Expression of Interest stage of the Catalyser Fund; for our stage 2 application - can we provide our proposal in a different format to the one we used at EOI stage? 

Yes you can. At stage 2 we will only assess the proposal you attach at this stage - we won't refer back to your EOI proposal - so you should ensure your new proposal includes all the required information, and doesn't rely on information provided in your original proposal. 

The Catalyser Fund application form asks us to provide letters or emails from our partners. Do we have to provide letters from all our partners or just key ones? 
This partly depends on your programme, how you're working in partnership and how many partners you have in total. Our guidance says to provide letters/emails from 'key partners'. We suggest focussing on the partners that are adding the most value to your programme and have the biggest role to play in the programme. These will likely be partnerships where things are clearly mutually beneficial, and the relationship works both-ways, with both organisations making clear contributions to the partnership. If you're unsure - please contact the Grants & Learning team on grants@youthmusic.org.uk for advice.

We are working with a large number of Music Education Hub partners/early year settings/school settings - do we have to provide letters from all of them?
If you are working with a large number of partners, who all have a similar role to play in your programme, it is not always necessary to provide letters/emails from each of them - in many cases a sample of partnership letters/emails would be fine. If this applies to you - we recommend contacting the Grants & Learning team on grants@youthmusic.org.uk to discuss your specific situation. 

Decision-making

Will my application be looked at by someone who understands my organisation and the work I am doing or has an understanding of the barriers/challenges I am facing?  
Who makes decisions about what to fund at Youth Music?

At Youth Music, we believe that a greater diversity of views, skills and lived experience leads to better decisions.

That’s why we appoint a unique group of decision-makers for every funding round. Each group comprises internal and external experts with lived experience relevant to applicants, the organisations they’re from, and the young people they support. We also work with children and young people via our funded partners as part of this. Applications are reviewed by multiple people, and decisions are always made collectively.

How many times can we reapply to Youth Music if we are unsuccessful?
There are no limits to how many times you can apply to any of Youth Music's funds. We provide feedback on all applications recieved, which can help you decide wheter you'd like to re-apply or not. 

 

Who can apply?

Can schools apply?
Schools and academies cannot apply to the Trailblazer Fund or Catalyser Fund. This includes primary, secondary, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and special schools.

My organisation is a charity and a school can I apply?
If the organisation who is submitting the application is a registered charity then you would be eligible to apply – provided you meet all the other criteria. If you're unsure about your organisation’s eligibility  – contact the Grants & Learning Team on grants@youthmusic.org.uk for advice.

I am an alternative education provider, can I apply?
Yes, you can apply – provided your organisation is a constituted UK based organisation (and not a school or academy). Please note Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) are not eligible to apply.

Why are schools no longer eligible to apply?
This decision allows us to prioritise funding for grassroots music organisations.

Will you fund work taking place in schools?
We will continue to fund work taking place in schools, mainly special schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). Work in schools must still meet all our eligibility criteria. In particular we would highlight that work must be targeted at children and young people facing barriers, must be co-designed with children and young people and we cannot fund whole class tuition in school, individual tuition fees to learn an instrument in school, GCSE or A Level Music, or school based music curriculum activity (unless in a special school, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) or alternative provision setting).

If you are a school who is interested in delivering this work then you could consider partnering with another eligible organisation, who could then apply for the grant. Our project map can help you identify potential partners. 

Your guidance says that the Trailblazer Fund is targeted at small organisations – what counts as a small organisation?
Organisations who could be considered as small are likely to have:

  • A turnover less than £500,000 per annum
  • A small staff team (and in some cases, no permanent or full-time members of staff)
  • Limited fundraising capacity (e.g. no dedicated fundraiser or fundraising team)

These are just a guide, not strict rules.

We’ve never applied to Youth Music before - can we apply for a Catalyser Fund grant or do we have to apply for a Trailblazer Fund grant first?
You can apply for a Catalyser Fund grant provided you meet all the Catalyser Fund criteria – you don’t need to have received a Youth Music grant previously.

We’re a small grassroots organisation. We don’t feel ready for a Catalyser Fund grant, but I’m not sure we meet the Trailblazer Fund requirement to test, trial or disrupt the status quo – what should we do?
The Trailblazer Fund is there to support organisations to test, trial or disrupt the status quo. If you still need to explore your project or an aspect of your organisation’s work further, then the Trailblazer Fund could still be a good fit for you.
If, however, you want to deliver work that that you are confident and experienced at delivering then we would encourage you to take another look at the Catalyser Fund, as you could be ready to sustain or scale-up this work. Still unsure? Contact the Grants & Learning Team on grants@youthmusic.org.uk or 020 7902 1060.

Can local authorities or statutory organisations apply?
Yes, provided you meet all the criteria for the fund that you want to apply to. Please note that we cannot fund activities that are a statutory responsibility.

I am an artist/musician – can I apply?
Sole traders and individuals cannot apply to the Trailblazer Fund or the Catalyser Fund. We only fund constituted UK-based organisations. If you are an artist/musician who is interested in delivering this work then you could consider partnering with a constituted organisation, who could then apply for the grant. Our project map can help you identify potential partners. 

The Trailblazer Fund seemed to be mainly focussed on small, new organisations. But one of your examples is a Music Education Hub – they’re not small or new. What are the conditions for a larger organisation being successful in their application?
The Trailblazer Fund is here to support organisations to test or trail something new or disrupt the status quo. Generally we are looking to support small organisations with their new ideas. Sometimes, Youth Music will invest in more established or larger organisations through the Trailblazer Fund, but we’ll be looking for projects that are focussed on doing something different. It’s not about supporting your ongoing delivery.

Could you explain what constitutes a track record? Does this mean a track record of working specifically with Youth Music?
No, you do not have to have a track record of working with, or being funded by, Youth Music. For the Catalyser Fund we expect organisations to have a track record in supporting children and young people facing barriers to make, learn and earn in music. If you do not have a track record in this type of work, then the Trailblazer Fund could be the fund for you.

What do you fund?

Trailblazer Fund - what does "disrupt the status quo" mean?
The status quo means ‘the way things are now’. We know that the current status quo is that many young people experience barriers to music making and that music opportunities are not as diverse or as inclusive as they should be. The status quo doesn’t work for many young people. Organisations who are disrupting the status quo are changing this situation – removing barriers, doing things differently, working with different people and sharing power in different ways. Until the status quo becomes a situation that is inclusive, and accessible with no barriers, we need to keep disrupting things!

Trailblazer Fund is focused on new things – does this mean that tried and tested ongoing approaches to successful work with young people will not be prioritised by Youth Music?
Trailblazer Fund is about doing new things – trialing work, testing new ways of working or disrupting the status quo. If your work is tried and tested then the Catalyser Fund would be more appropriate for you.

We facilitate music production support – will this be considered or is it just 'music-making' itself and not the music industry in general that you will fund?
We believe in music in all its forms, whether that’s making music with friends or learning about the music business. Projects/programmes can offer music making, learning, or earning – or a combination of all three.
As well as music production support, we can also fund activities like music photography, music journalism, music video production, and music radio/podcast production.

 

Budget & Finance

You say a proportion of the budget must be spent on delivery costs – can you provide guidance on how much is expected?
Provided some of your budget is being spent on delivery costs, and your budget makes sense in the context of your proposal, there is no set requirement on how your budget is split between delivery costs and core costs.

What do you consider capital costs?
Capital costs are items that have a use that extends beyond the project or could be sold on once the project has been completed. Examples of capital costs include: musical instruments or studio equipment such as speakers or computer equipment. No more than 20% of the Youth Music grant can be spent on capital costs. Please note that we cannot fund the purchase of land or buildings.

Would sound proofing a studio be considered a capital cost?
Yes.

Can you break down what you mean by match funding and how much we need to raise? 
Match funding is additional money on top of your Youth Music grant to support your project.
How much match funding you need to raise depends on how much money you are requesting from Youth Music: 

  • For grant requests between £2,000 and £30,000 you need 10% total match funding or higher (at least 5% must be cash match funding).
    • For example if you requested £30,000 from Youth Music, then you need £3,000 total match funding or higher (at least £1,500 must be cash match funding).  
  • For grant requests between £30,001 and £100,000 you need 15% total match funding or higher (at least 7.5% must be cash match funding).
    • For example if you requested £100,000 from Youth Music, then you need £15,000 total match funding or higher (at least £7,500 must be cash match funding). 
  • For grant requests between £100,001 and £300,000 you need 20% total match funding or higher (at least 10% must be cash match funding).
    • For example if you requested £200,000 from Youth Music, then you need £40,000 total match funding or higher (at least £20,000 must be cash match funding). 

For the match funding evidence – how is this presented?
If you are awarded funding we may ask for evidence of your cash match funding. This could be a letter/email from a funder, or a letter/email from a partner organisation, or evidence of the funding entering your bank account.
You will also be assigned a member of the Youth Music team to support you throughout your grant. They will be able to help if you’re unsure what you need to do.  

The guidance says we have to pay the real living wage – does this rule out using volunteers?
You can use volunteers on Youth Music funded projects/programmes. But any paid members of staff (whether freelance or salaried) we expect to be paid the real living wage or above.

We have mentors that donate their time – does this equate to match funding?
Yes – this would count as in-kind match funding.

Can cash match funding come from our reserves?
Yes, cash match funding can come from your reserves.

Does match funding have to be already secured by the time we submit an application?
No. Match funding does not need to be secured by the time you submit your application. In the application form you will be able to tell us whether the money is confirmed or not.

 

Youth Voice and Co-design                                       

We don’t feel co-design is possible due to the target group we are working with.
Youth Music strongly believes that co-design is possible with any group of children or young people. We know that you might have to go about in different ways for different groups. Co-design doesn’t have to involve speaking, filling in surveys or taking part in youth forums – it can involve observation, creative activities, and from what happens in day-to-day interactions with your children and young people. Take a look at our Youth Voice Resource Hub for more support.

We also understand it isn’t always possible to co-design with children and young people before you submit your application, which is why we also ask you to explain how you intend to co-design (if you are awarded a grant). 

I am planning an Early Years project; are you expecting me to co-design the project with babies and toddlers?
We understand that it may not be possible to consult directly with babies and young children. But it is still important that you demonstrate that you have taken into account their views, opinions, likes, etc. For early years children this could include co-designing the project with relevant adults (e.g. parents/carers, other family members or early years practitioners). You probably also have a good understanding of what early years children like or need based on their responses to previous work you have done. We are not expecting you to interview early years children or ask them to complete surveys, but it’s still important that you demonstrate how you have included and considered these children in the design of your project. There are resources about youth voice in the early years on our website.

I am planning a workforce and/or organisational development project – do children and young people have to co-design the project?
Yes, this is just as important as for any other type of project. We believe that in order to develop your workforce and your organisation that you need to understand the needs of children and young people. You need to listen to them and give them opportunities to influence and make decisions. We would be unlikely to fund a workforce or organisational development project that is unable to demonstrate how children and young people have been involved in its design. They may not help design the project itself, but their needs and interests should inform the contents. For example, if they want more music production activities this may lead to a project focused on upskilling staff in this area of work.

 

Project Activities

Can we put together a programme addressing more than one funding priority?
Yes. Your application needs to address at least one of our funding priorities. But you are welcome to address multiple funding priorities.

Support from Youth Music

Do you still offer flexibility as an impact of the pandemic/covid-19?
Yes. If you have a grant with Youth Music we understand that you may need to make changes to your original plans. These should be approved by your Youth Music contact. You’ll have their email and phone number so you can always contact them directly to discuss. We’ll always try to approve any changes you request, so long as they meet the aims of the fund your grant is from.

What support can I get from the Youth Music team in order to support my application?
We have a range of resources to help you plan, deliver, and monitor your project.

IDEA Hub
Evaluation and reporting hub
Youth Voice hub
Safeguarding hub
Finance and budget hub
Youth Music Quality Framework

You can also check our Exchanging Notes learning and development programme for details of upcoming events that may help with your application.

If you identify as Disabled and require additional support to make an application to Youth Music, you can apply to our Access Fund. You should apply for this money before you start making your application.

If you still have questions you can contact the Youth Music team on grants@youthmusic.org.uk or 020 7902 1030.

Can someone read through my application form before I submit?
No, due to the volume of enquiries we receive we are not able to read through your entire application form before you submit.

We can answer questions about completing your application; this could include how to submit your application form through the online grants portal, advice about answering questions and questions about whether your organisation or project/programme meet the criteria.

 

Evaluation

It looks like outcomes have decreased in importance in the guidance and application form – do we still need to write outcomes? We now have a more flexible approach for Trailblazer Fund and Catalyser Fund than we did for Fund A or Fund B – so we don’t require you to set or track outcomes. If outcomes work for your organisation and project, then you are welcome to set outcomes and use these to evaluate your work.

If I am funded what will my reporting look like?
You can download example report templates from the network.
 

Current/previous grantholders

I am applying to Youth Music for continuation funding – what do you expect to see from me?
The Trailblazer Fund is for projects that are trialling, testing or changing the status quo – so if you’re coming back for a continuation project in this fund – you should make sure your project still fits these criteria. We would expect to see in your application some reflections on what you have learnt, and how this has informed the new application. Most importantly we would want to see how any new application has been shaped by the children and young people you are working with.

Can I apply for a Trailblazer Fund grant if I hold a Catalyser Fund grant? Can I apply to multiple funds at the same time?
You cannot hold a Catalyser Fund grant at the same time as a Trailblazer Fund grant.  
If you hold a grant from a different Youth Music fund then you may be eligible to apply. We ask that you contact your Youth Music contact for advice before starting an application.
You can apply to multiple Youth Music funds at the same time.

Do I have to wait until our current grant is closed before we can apply?
No, you can apply for a new grant whilst your current grant is active. What we will take into account when making our decisions, is whether or not the new grant will be active at the same time as any existing grant.