Short Description
We’re pleased to announce the second round of grant funding will support projects, people, and organisations that align with three key areas: Creative Education, Creative Communities, and Creative Individuals.
Established in 2024, the Hugo Burge Foundation is a major new charity dedicated to supporting the arts, crafts and creative industries across the United Kingdom.
We are supported by the legacy of Hugo Burge, a British entrepreneur, philanthropist and art lover who spent the last ten years of his life turning his beautiful home in the Scottish Borders into a haven for makers and creators.
After making his fortune through investments in affordable travel technology and sustainable initiatives, Hugo established the Marchmont Makers Foundation in 2020 with the goal of supporting craftspeople and artists. Hugo began offering residencies and affordable or free studio space at the newly renovated Creative Spaces on Marchmont Estate. In in 2021, Hugo hired Lucy Brown to lead and grow the Foundation with Dr James Fox committing to a role of Creative Director in 2024 having served as a trustee since early 2023.
I. Creative Individuals
There will be £50,000 available in our Creative Individuals fund. £25,000 will be awarded via our May 2025 grant window, and £25,000 will be awarded in September 2025 grant window.
Applicants can apply for up to £5,000.
II. Creative Communities
There will be £100,000 available in 2025 for the Creative Communities fund that will be distributed via an open call application process. £50,000 will be available in May 2025’s grant window, while £50,000 will be reserved for our September grant window.
Applicants can apply for up to £15,000. Applicants that are applying for £10,000 and under can have their entire project funded by the Hugo Burge Foundation. Applicants who are applying for £10,001 to £15,000 must have a minimum of 30% of budget covered via other funding sources.
We will accept 6 multiyear requests across these funds that will be reoccurring for a maximum of 3 years. 3 of these grants will be awarded in May 2025 grant window, and 3 more will be awarded in the September 2025 grant window.
III. Creative Education
The total fund for the Creative Education fund for 2025 will be £150,000.
£48,000 will go towards our apprenticeship programmes with Heritage Crafts UK and Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST). These programmes will support both apprentices and masters who work in endangered or prestige crafts. Applications and grants will be distributed through our partners, Heritage UK and QEST.
The remaining fund of £102,000 will be distributed by the Hugo Burge Foundation via an open call application process. £52,000 will be available in May 2025’s grant window, while £50,000 will be reserved for our September grant window.
Applicants can apply for up to £15,000. Applicants that are applying for £10,000 and under can have their entire project funded by the Hugo Burge Foundation. Applicants who are applying for £10,001 to £15,000 must have a minimum of 30% of budget covered via other funding sources.
We will accept 6 multiyear requests across these funds that will be reoccurring for a maximum of 3 years. 3 of these grants will be awarded in May 2025 grant window, and 3 more will be rewarded in September 2025 grant window.
Eligibility
Applicants must be over 18 and based within the United Kingdom. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom without the need for a visa sponsorship, as we cannot offer help with immigration status at this time.
How to Apply
Online Application
Entry Fee
None
Location
United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
Website Link: https://www.hugoburgefoundation.org/grants
