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We offer annual funding for Society members to develop projects that broaden access to dance within their local communities and support our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives.

If you have an idea, initiative or existing project that helps more people access and participate in dance, you could apply for up to £2,000 through the Sue Passmore Award: Broadening Access to Dance.

 

Project Funding Opportunities

Sue Passmore Award: Broadening Access to Dance

The Sue Passmore Award: Broadening Access to Dance provides funding of up to £2,000 for Society members to develop and deliver projects that increase access to dance within their communities.

The award supports innovative and practical projects that help more people engage with dance, particularly those who may face barriers to participation. Projects should demonstrate a clear need, achievable outcomes and a realistic plan for delivery.

Applications are open to Society members worldwide. Successful applicants will be expected to share the outcomes and learning from their project with the wider membership.

 

 

Awards are designed to fund creative and innovative approaches to broadening access to dance and applicants will be encouraged to identify CPD or a mentor contribution to support the successful delivery of their project. Upon completion, recipients will share the outcome of their project with members.

Two awards will be made annually in each category and applications are welcome from the UK and International members.

Applications will take the form of a project proposal and will open annually in the autumn; application opening dates will vary each year.

Applications 

Applications for the 2026 Sue Passmore Award: Broadening Access to Dance open on 10 August 2026 at 12:00 BST and close on 20 October 2026 at 12:00 BST.

Applicants can apply for funding of up to £2,000.

Further information 

Our guidance notes provide detailed information about eligibility, the application process and assessment criteria. We strongly recommend reading these before completing an application.

Guidance Notes    

Projects can be entirely new initiatives or build on existing work. Funding cannot be used to reimburse activities that have taken place before applicants are notified of the outcome of their application.

Projects might include, but are not limited to:

  • Delivering dance classes or workshops for schools, nurseries, care homes, community groups or other underserved audiences.
  • Developing partnerships that increase access to dance within local communities.
  • Creating opportunities for people who may face barriers to participating in dance.
  • Taking dance into new settings, locations or communities.
  • Using innovative approaches to engage new participants in dance activities.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Hold current ISTD membership.
  • Hold an ISTD teaching qualification.
  • Submit a completed application by the published deadline.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Guidance Notes.

Applications must include a clear project proposal and budget, demonstrating how the project will broaden access to dance and how the funding will be used.

Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of expenditure, complete an evaluation and share the outcomes of their project with ISTD members. For enquiries, please contact bursaries@istd.org.

Apply below 

Apply Now for Sue Passmore Award: Broadening Access to Dance