This year the BBC Performing Arts Fund is focusing on music, and it will launch its Community Music scheme on 21 May 2012 at 10am. The Community Music scheme will fund grass roots music making and performing groups. Not-for-profit groups throughout the UK are encouraged to apply for this fund and there is no limit to the type of music that they play. It could be, for example, jazz, classical, samba, hip hop, or something else.

Existing community groups which are looking for funding to reach new and wider audiences, attract new members and carry out training may apply for grants of up to £5,000 for distinct development projects and up to £10,000 to commission new music. It is hoped that this funding will encourage collaboration, and allow groups to take on more challenging work.
But groups will need to be quick to submit their online application this year as the deadline is either when 500 eligible applications have been received or 29 June 2012 (5pm), whichever occurs first.

Full details can be found on the BBC Performing Arts Fund website.
www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund