Open Call: Dance Grant for Children and Young People (UK)

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The Alice’s WonderDance Foundation Grant supports community organisations, schools, and individuals in the Liverpool City Region to make dance more accessible to children and young people. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to community organisations and schools, while individuals can apply for up to £250 for dance-related costs such as equipment, dancewear, transportation, and emergency expenses. The fund focuses on removing financial and practical barriers to dance participation and supporting inclusive, affordable, high-quality dance opportunities for children and young people across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral. What Is the Alice’s WonderDance Foundation Grant? The Alice’s WonderDance Foundation was established in memory of Alice Aguiar, recognising her passion for dance and her belief that movement should be accessible, joyful, and empowering for children. The grant programme supports initiatives that help children and young people participate in dance regardless of financial or practical barriers. Funding can support organisations, schools, and individuals with specific dance-related needs. Purpose of the Grant The main purpose of the fund is to remove barriers to dance participation. The programme supports projects and activities that make dance: - More accessible. - More affordable. - More inclusive. - More enjoyable. - More widely available to children and young people. The fund recognises that children may face financial, transport, equipment, clothing, or other practical barriers that prevent them from participating in dance. Funding Available Funding depends on the type of applicant. Community Organisations and Schools Community organisations and schools can apply for grants of up to: £2,000 Funding can support specific projects or activities designed to increase access to dance. Individuals

Individuals can apply for up to:

£250 Individual grants can help cover specific dance-related needs, including: - Dance equipment. - Dancewear. - Transportation. - Emergency dance-related costs. - Other eligible participation expenses. Who Is Eligible? The grant is available to eligible applicants based in the Liverpool City Region.

This includes:

- Halton. - Knowsley. - Liverpool. - Sefton. - St Helens. - Wirral.

Eligible applicant categories include:

- Community organisations. - Schools. - Individual young people or applicants seeking eligible dance-related support. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between the requested funding and participation in dance. What Projects Can Be Supported? The fund supports a range of activities designed to increase access to dance.

Examples include:

- Summer holiday dance events. - Inclusive dance programmes. - Dance materials and equipment. - Dancewear subsidies. - Support for first-year dance students. - Emergency assistance for dance-related expenses. - Other activities that remove barriers to children’s participation in dance. Summer Holiday Dance Activities Organisations and schools may use funding to provide dance opportunities during school holidays. Summer dance activities can help children and young people: - Stay active. - Develop creative skills. - Build confidence. - Meet other young people. - Experience dance in an inclusive environment. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activity will improve access to dance. Inclusive Dance Programmes Inclusive dance activities can help children and young people who may face barriers to participating in traditional dance programmes. Projects should consider accessibility and participation needs and demonstrate how the funding will enable more children to take part. Dance Materials and Equipment Funding can support essential materials or equipment needed to deliver dance activities.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- What equipment is required. - Why it is necessary. - Who will use it. - How it will improve participation. Dancewear Support Dancewear can create a financial barrier for children and families. The grant can support dancewear subsidies where they help children access or continue participating in dance activities. Support for First-Year Dance Students The fund can provide support for first-year dance students who may face additional costs when beginning their dance education. Support may help reduce financial barriers associated with participating in dance. Emergency Dance-Related Assistance Individual applicants can seek support for eligible emergency costs that could otherwise prevent them from participating in dance. For example, funding may help with an urgent transportation, equipment, or dancewear need. Why the Grant Matters Dance can contribute to children’s physical activity, creativity, confidence, social development, and emotional well-being. However, participation can be affected by costs associated with: - Classes. - Dancewear. - Equipment. - Transportation. - Training. - Other participation expenses. The Alice’s WonderDance Foundation Grant seeks to reduce these barriers and ensure that more children and young people can experience the benefits of dance. The fund can help create opportunities that are: - Inclusive. - Affordable. - Accessible. - Child-focused. - Community-based. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Your Location

Check that the applicant, organisation, school, or proposed activity is based in the Liverpool City Region.

Eligible areas are:

- Halton. - Knowsley. - Liverpool. - Sefton. - St Helens. - Wirral.

Step 2: Identify the Dance-Related Need

Clearly explain what barrier is preventing children or young people from participating in dance.

This could involve:

- Financial hardship. - Lack of equipment. - Lack of dancewear. - Transportation difficulties. - Limited access to inclusive programmes. - Emergency costs.

Step 3: Define the Project or Support

Explain exactly what the funding will pay for.

For organisations and schools, describe:

- Activities. - Target participants. - Expected outcomes. - De