Funding

HBOS Foundation and Lloyds TSB Foundations
Following the acquisition of HBOS plc by Lloyds TSB plc on 19 January 2009 resulting in Lloyds Banking Group, a review of the new group’s community investment is in progress. As one of the first changes made as a result of this review, the grant-making activities of the HBOS Foundation will be replaced by the Lloyds TSB Foundations’ grants programmes. This ensures a simple approach, with one point of contact for charities wishing to make a grant application.
There are four Lloyds TSB Foundations covering England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. Please note that your organisation will need to meet the programme criteria of the relevant Lloyds TSB Foundation.
To apply for a grant, charities should visit the website for the region of the UK in which they are registered, where there are also details of the charities and projects previously supported. For more information, visit: www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk

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Google Grants (UK)
The Google Grants UK beta programme supports organisations sharing Google’s philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts. Designed for registered charities, Google Grants provides free advertising on Google AdWords, to charities seeking to inform and engage their constituents online. Google Grants has given free AdWords advertising to hundreds of charitable groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education. As a result of this free advertising many charities have experienced an increase in the recruitment of volunteers and sponsorship. Applications can be made at any time. For more information, visit: http://www.google.com/grants/

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Take it Away
On 2 July, Arts Council England launched 'Take it away', a new scheme aimed at making musical instruments more affordable, particularly for families and those on lower incomes. The objective of the scheme is to encourage more people to get involved in learning and playing music by removing the financial barrier that may have stopped them from doing this previously. The scheme allows individuals to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments (with a minimum 10% deposit), completely interest free.

Following a successful six month pilot in the South East, Take it away loans will now be available through a network of almost 100 musical instrument retailers across the country that can provide assistance in choosing an instrument appropriate for a customer's needs. From electric guitars to classical harps, all instruments are included in the scheme and are encouraged by Arts Council England. Additionally, to help musical development and manage costs, where available equipment and services such as music stands, amplifiers, sheet music and tuition can also be included within the loan.

Take it away will be open to anyone over 18 (although terms and conditions apply), but the scheme will specifically be targeted at three priority groups:

• People buying an instrument for the first time
• People buying an instrument for a young person
• People on lower than average incomes (£22,500) 

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Escalator
Escalator is an Arts Council England initiative which aims to find, support and invest in regionally based performing artists. Covering artists at different stages of their careers in all areas of the performing arts, it enables artists to realise their potential in producing high quality professional work.

What's on offer?

• Coaching awards of between £250 and £1000 for evaluation and feedback from an expert
• Development plans to evaluate and identify key issues
• Access to a network of regional venues to support and promote new work
• The Pulse festival - development of an annual showcase of new work
• Showcasing and exporting of work outside the region

For more information contact Cat Moore on 01223 578000, email escalator@junction.co.uk 

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Escalator Visual Arts
If you are an artist based in the East of England, at a pivotal stage in your career, and want a credible context in which to develop your work, then Escalator Visual Arts could help you on your way. "We are looking for promising artists with the potential to reach the top." Escalator Visual Arts is an Arts Council England, East initiative led by Commissions East in partnership with the region's visual arts organisations and galleries. It aims to discover, support and invest in talent. You can find out more about Escalator Visual Arts by contacting Commissions East on 01223 356882