Theatre Improvement Scheme with the Wolfson Foundation

Theatres Trust's Theatre Improvement Scheme, in association with the Wolfson Foundation, offers capital funding for theatres.

The theme for the fund for the current three-year partnership is Improving Environmental Sustainability as this is an urgent priority for the sector.

Theatre operators can apply for grants of up to £20,000 towards their building or equipment as part of the scheme.

It is hoped that these grants will support a range of projects that consider different ways theatre buildings can reduce their environmental impact. From sedum roofs to new windows, building management systems to more efficient water heaters, funding will be given to projects that demonstrate how a small intervention can have a big impact.

With thanks

The Wolfson Foundation supports our Theatre Improvement Scheme. Since Theatres Trust and the Wolfson Foundation started working together in 2017, grants totalling more than £750,000 have been awarded to help 46 theatres across the UK improve their buildings. The Wolfson Foundation renewed its support for the scheme in 2024, with a further £510,000 in total to be awarded over the next three years.

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply to the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they:

own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than 5 years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year of theatre, dance, comedy, musicals.
have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years. This can include local authorities or Town and Borough Councils that own and/or operate a venue.
have the permission of the property owner and any relevant planning body to do the work required.
operate theatres that achieve excellence through their producing and programming and / or community engagement and / or architectural significance.

Organisations previously in receipt of grants from the Theatres Trust (including through this scheme) may not apply until 12 months after the date of receipt of the Final Evaluation Report for that award.

Organisations that have previously received a direct grant from the Wolfson Foundation can apply to this scheme providing it is for a different project.

We welcome applications from theatre venues across the UK that meet these criteria, whether voluntarily or professionally run.

You will receive a response to your application within approximately 16 weeks after the closing date, so we are not able to fund work that requires urgent or immediate attention before this time.

How to apply

Please apply using the application form below. Please refer to the guidance notes when making your application.

The deadline for the 2025 round will be midday on Friday 5 September 2025.

Please note that after the deadline, it will be up to 16 weeks before decisions are made.

Applicants are advised to watch the webinar, read the guidance notes and terms and conditions before making an application. Unfortunately due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can no longer give advice pre-application.

Webinar about Applying to the Theatre Improvement Scheme