Cockaigne Fund

About this fund

The Land of Cockaigne is a mythical paradise of cakes, ale, and splendid entertainment. Although the Cockaigne Fund can't provide the cakes and ale, musical entertainment is on the menu. Since 2022, the Fund has supported boundary-pushing musical research, development, and performances to delight, inform, and move participants and audiences alike. In 2024, the average grant size was around £1,900. 

Purpose of this fund

The Fund supports creative, challenging, and original projects that explore cultures and traditions, past and present. They have a particular interest in historically-informed projects related to classical and traditional music of all periods.

The Fund may also consider community projects that push boundaries, strive for excellence, and enable people to access new musical experiences. Regarding funding for studies, the Fund will only consider applications related to specialist one-off courses or masterclasses, not full academic programmes. 

Additional criteria

The project must be based in the UK.

If you are applying for funding towards a musical instrument, please provide a quote or web listing for the instrument.

Who can apply?

The Cockaigne Fund welcomes applications from individuals and organisations. 

Organisations must meet Foundation Scotland’s common eligibility criteria. Please check the criteria before applying.

Individuals must be self-employed, registered with HMRC, and able to provide a recent bank statement. 

What can’t be funded?

Please see Foundation Scotland’s what we can’t fund page.

How are decisions made?

Applications are now paused until the new financial year.  Please check this page again from 1st April 2025 for details of how to apply.