FAQ

We’re not interested in providing a strict definition of what counts as folk singing. 

Folk singing includes singing that is:

• Live

• Open to the public

• Involves some form of communal engagement

• Incorporates songs that reflect historical and contemporary experiences of communities in England

• Is considered part of a tradition of singing

Funding isn’t available for singing that:

• Is primarily part of an act of worship

If you are unsure whether the type(s) of singing you want to focus your application around are eligible, please contact us to discuss.

The report and podcasts suggest a number of first and second level changes that will potentially support participation from a variety of historically marginalised groups. Changes include:

• Availability of information

• Addressing safeguarding concerns

• Diversifying representation

• Targeted promotion

• Research and learning

• Activism and debate

• Leadership

• Changes in format, timing, location, etc.

• Training

• Networking

These changes are based on consultation with individuals and groups on challenges related to belief, religion and politics, disability, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, age, and class and socio-economic status. Get more specific information related to your project ideas by reading the full report or listening to the podcast.

We will give advice based on our existing research and organise online meetups to help share information and give support, but we will not get involved in designing or delivering the logistics of individual projects. You must be able to organise your own activity independently.

That's no problem at all from our perspective. In fact, learning what doesn’t work is as useful for us as learning what does. You'll still receive the agreed funding and be expected to reflect and give feedback on what happened. An Access Folk researcher will help with this.

We are planning to fund six (6) new groups and six (6) existing groups. We are awarding up to £1,000 per project. You can download the Call for Access Folk Small Project Applications for full terms and conditions.

There are few restrictions on what the funds can be spent on, as long as they support the project you have proposed. Please keep in mind that this funding is intended to support the setup of activities while they become established, not their ongoing costs.

Some of the costs your grant might cover include: 

• Venue hire

• Promotional materials

• A structural change to an established venue

• Paying musicians or someone else to help you

• Paying yourself

If you are unsure whether your costs are eligible, please contact us.

The application process will have three deadline rounds and project starts will be staggered. If you apply for the first round but are not successful, you will automatically be reconsidered in the following rounds. Our deadlines are:

• Round 1 – 22 January 2024

• Round 2 – 29 March 2024

• Round 3 – 31 May 2024  

Yes. We’re providing guidance in different formats. You can:

• Watch a tutorial about how to apply

• Sign up to attend an online Q&A session on 9 January 2024 

• Request a 1-to-1 consultation

Get more information about our available guidance by visiting our Get Help page.

Yes, individuals, small informal groups, or long established organisations are all welcome to apply. You do not need any special constitutions or bank accounts. 

No. The Access Folk research team will work with you to gather the data they need. They are experienced at working with a lot of different kinds of people in different ways and it is their responsibility to make that an easy process for you to engage with.  All you need to do is be willing to talk to them and share what you know. 

When we assess your proposal, we consider:

• The originality and novelty of the proposal

• The feasibility of your plan

• How the proposal responds to the Accessing Folk Singing in England Report and/or Access Folk Podcasts

• Geographical coverage of the proposed projects

• Diversity of the proposed projects

• Potential risks to the project’s success

• Potential to deliver widespread and lasting change

All proposals will be reviewed by a panel including members of the Access Folk academic team and our Board Members. Download a copy of our selection criteria.

Learn more about who we are.

We evaluate submissions beginning on 23 January, 30 March, and 1 June 2024. Your application will be included in the next round of evaluations. We'll endeavour to make our decisions as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 6 weeks to receive our response and feedback if there is a large volume of submissions.

We'll get in touch to finish negotiating the terms of our partnership. We'll provide you with feedback from the selection panel about your proposed project, discuss project timelines, types of support you'll need, and how the research elements will work, and ask you to sign a partnership letter and commitment to share our values. You can preview a standard template for these documents by visiting the Accepting your funding page on our website.

We'll still provide you with feedback from the selection panel. If you applied for the 22 January or 29 March deadline, we encourage you to think carefully about the feedback, ask us questions, update your application, and reapply. Get more information on our Support if your project is not funded page. 

You can download the full Call for Access Folk Small Project Applications here. You can also access a copy on our What's Involved? page.

Please contact us. We will be happy to help.