Funding For Musicians: 36 opportunities for independent artists in 2026 [updated October 2026]

Ready to take your music career to the next level in 2026? We’ve done the legwork for you and gathered 36 of the best grants, funding opportunities and financial awards available to UK, US, Canadian and international artists in 2026 - so get your applications ready and kick off 2026 with a bang!

At Identity Music, we champion independent artists whenever and wherever we can - so keep reading to boost your career!

Funding & Grants for UK artists

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MOBO Help Musicians Amplified - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Launchpad Connect (Yorkshire) - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Future Bubblers - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Women Make Music - application dates TBC - info here

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International Showcase Fund - applications open until 27th November (round 2), and 6th January 2027 (round 3)- info here

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Early Career Promoter Fund - applications open 29th October (round 19), 10th December (round 20) - info here

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iluvlive Artist Development Programme - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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MOBO UnSung - applications for Class of 2027 are closed, will likely reopen mid-2027 for Class of 2028 - info here

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UD Incubator - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Developing Your Creative Practice (Arts Council England) - applications currently closed, will open again in March 2027 - info here

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The Sound of Young Scotland Award - applications currently closed, will open again in July 2027 - info here

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NextGen Fund - application deadlines TBC - info here

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Catalyser Fund - applications open again in early 2027 - info here

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Trailblazer Fund - applications open until 20th November 2026 - info here

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Electronic Music Award (Help Musicians x DJ Mag) - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Anthem FFWD>> (Wales) - applications currently closed, will open again in February 2027 - info here

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Funding & Grants for artists in the USA & Canada

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peermusic Latin Music Award - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Reel Change Film Fund - applications open throughout 2026 & 2027 - info here

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FACTOR Songwriter Development - applications open throughout 2026 & 2027- info here

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FACTOR Live Performance - applications open throughout 2026 & 2027 - info here

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Funding & Grants for international artists

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Playing Australia Project Investment - applications close 2nd March 2027 and 8th June 2027 - info here

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Storytelling & Recording: First Nations Project Fund (Australia) - applications currently closed, will open again in 2027 - info here

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Contemporary Music Touring Program (Australia) - applications close 2nd March 2027 and 8th June 2027 - info here

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Awesome Black Voices Rising Fund - applications open throughout 2026 & 2027- info here

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Tote Board Arts Fund (Singapore) - applications open throughout 2026 & 2027 - info here

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New Music Project Funding (New Zealand) - applications open throughout 2026 & 2027 - info here

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