How we are funded

Theatres Trust is a charity. We do not receive regular public funding apart from a small grant from Historic England. 

In order to maintain our activity and to offer grant funding to theatres, we raise additional funds through our trading activity and through fundraising from a wide range of industry supporters, including our Patron, Corporate Supporter and Friend schemes. Donations towards our grant-giving programmes are restricted and are distributed to theatres for improvements or repairs.

Between 1986 and 1989, the Theatres Trust acquired the freeholds of the Lyric, Garrick and Lyceum theatres from the London Residuary Board, the distributors of the dissolved assets of the Greater London Council. The Trust leases these theatres to commercial operators and the income from these theatres continues to support the core work of the Trust.    

Our decision making process is entirely independent of our fundraising and is governed by our overall mission to ensure current and future generations have access to good quality theatres where they can be inspired by, and enjoy, live performance. This work includes advising to ensure theatre buildings meet the current needs and demands of the theatre industry and the audiences they serve. 

We publish information on our fundraising in our Annual Reports. You can also view Our Funders and Our Corporate Supporters on our website.

Image | Lyceum Theatre, London, by Ian Grundy.