The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust provides grants to UK-charities. Our focus is on projects that increase access for communities that face barriers to opportunities in the arts, creative health and heritage & crafts.
Our Funding Themes
We support community music-making, performing arts engagement and early-stage career development.
We fund short breaks for young carers and non-clinical performing arts, horticulture and animal-assisted therapeutic interventions for people with diagnosed conditions and mental health.
We fund training in rare craft skills, and where traditional skills lead to accreditation and employment.
Our History
How a lasting legacy was created
The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust was founded in 1972 by Dame Bridget D’Oyly Carte (1908–1985), the last member of the distinguished D’Oyly Carte family.
Funding Guidelines
Important information to help you apply for a grant
Grants between £500 and £8,000.
UK-registered charities only.
Unrestricted funding is available for charities under £250,000 income.
Funding Dates
Small Charity Grants
The deadline for charities with an annual income of £5m and under is 5pm 2 October 2026
Large Charity Grants
Charities with an annual income of above £5m First-stage application deadline: Now Closed
Second-stage application deadline: 5pm 2 October 2026
Successful Applicants
Decisions will be made on 20 November 2026. Applicants will be informed by mid December 2026. Please do not contact us for an update on the outcome of your application before this time.