The SMA Founder's Fund

Information and Criteria for the Granting of Financial Assistance

Information

1. The amounts of grants awarded depend upon the number of applicants but are rarely more than £150. A finite amount is awarded annually and applications should be received if possible by the end of either February or September.
2. Priority is given to applicants who are supported by a member of the Schools Music Association i.e. a teacher, school/college, music centre, local SMA or local authority.
3. Grants can take the form only of one-off payments; on-going courses and lessons cannot be funded.  Grants have been made, for example, to assist with the purchase of instruments and music, and to help pay for attendance at summer schools and similar short courses.
4. Grants cannot made for expenditure undertaken before the date of application.
5. Grants must be taken up within 12 months of the date of application after which the offer has to be withdrawn.
6. The decision of the Association is final and no further correspondence may be entered into.

Criteria

1. PUPILS AND STUDENTS MAKING APPLICATION TO THE ASSOCIATION, or for whom application is being made, must be:
   a)   not older than 18 years at the commencement of the event for which the grant is needed;
   b)   in full-time attendance at school or a college of Further or Higher Education;
   c)  in financial need through such circumstances as coming from a family receiving Income Support, Family Credit or Widow's Pension.
2. Applications must be supported in writing by a head teacher, principal, music teacher or music adviser/inspector, verifying the applicant's musical achievements and potential.
3. If the request for a grant is for attendance at a short course or summer school, the appropriate brochure or information documents should be attached.

Donations

As the SMA Founders Fund is so small, donations are welcomed. Please consider making a direct donation here by credit or debit card, or click here to contact us regarding donations of other amounts or legacies.

N.B. The fund is so small that ALL the criteria have to be met for an application to be considered.

To obtain an application form, send a stamped addressed envelope to:

The Hon Secretary
The Schools Music Association
Brook House
24 Royston Street
Potton
Bedfordshire
SG19 2LP

Requests without a stamped addressed envelope may not receive a reply.