Small Grants Programme
Supported by The Linbury Trust
This scheme provides grants of up to £7,500 for essential works to enable not-for-profit theatres across the UK to be viable and thrive in the future.
Eligible projects include small capital works, the installation of key plant and machinery and works which make theatre buildings digital-ready.
This scheme will prioritise improvements to buildings that protect theatre use and remove barriers to participation and attendance.
Priority will also be given to projects where the total project costs are less than £250k or where the grant is the sole external funder and / or achievable within the total fund awarded.
Please note that revenue and survey costs are ineligible. This fund is to support improvements and repairs to the building fabric, and the key plant and machinery or the purchase of key equipment (not software) to improve digital infrastructure.
Who can apply
To be eligible to apply to the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they:
own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
run a year-round programme of public live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year
have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years
Organisations previously in receipt of grants from the Theatres Trust (including through this scheme) may not apply until 12 months after the date of receipt of the Final Evaluation Report for that award.
We welcome applications from theatre venues across the UK that meet these criteria, whether voluntarily or professionally run. Please note that individuals are not eligible to apply and that only one application per organisation can be submitted in each round.
How to apply
Round 12 of the Small Grants Programme is now open for applications with a deadline of 12pm Friday 15 January 2027.
Please read the updated guidance notes below before making an application. You may also find it helpful to watch our recent webinar for more tips on making a strong application.
For more information, guidance notes and to apply please visit Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust