Clore Duffield Foundation launches major school singing programme
Organisations specialising in choirs and group vocal work can apply for grants of up to £100,000 a year to develop ambitious, sustainable partnerships with schools in England.
The Clore Duffield Foundation has launched a new three-year funding programme designed to embed inclusive singing in schools and leave a lasting legacy beyond the grant period.
The Clore School Choirs and Singing Programme will support between five and ten projects, with grants ranging from £50,000 to £100,000 a year for three years. Delivery will begin in autumn 2027.
The programme is open to organisations with expertise and a strong track record in choirs and group vocal work. Each project must involve at least three state-funded primary or secondary schools in England, with schools participating as active partners rather than simply receiving a visiting project.
Schools and multi-academy trusts may lead an application if they have the necessary expertise.
The Foundation is looking for ambitious proposals that could not be delivered through shorter-term or smaller-scale funding. Projects should bring practitioners and teachers together to build skills and establish singing activity that can continue after the grant ends.
The Foundation said, ‘Too often funding pays for the visit rather than the handover. This programme is built the other way around.’
Projects will be expected to make singing part of the wider life of participating schools, extending beyond formal choirs into assemblies, classrooms and other settings. The programme also emphasises inclusive repertoire and approaches in which young people can recognise themselves and their experiences.
Successful organisations will form a national cohort, meeting throughout the three-year programme to compare approaches and share learning. Their work will contribute to a published resource for the wider sector, exploring what makes school choirs and singing groups effective, inclusive and sustainable.
Applications
Applications opened on 21 September and close at midday on 30 October 2026.
The Foundation will hold an information webinar on Tuesday 29 September from 1.10pm to 1.50pm. The session will provide an introduction to the programme and allow potential applicants to submit questions.
Prospective applicants are advised to read the grant guidance and frequently asked questions before applying. An information sheet for schools is also available.
Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online application form.