The next deadline for SSPDT funding and instrument loan applications is Monday 17 July, 2023
The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust develops sustainable, high quality programmes that include everyone who wants to learn. They provide cash grants usually on a match-funded basis, and work closely with schools, communities and councils to design successful programmes that attract high numbers of pupils and that give them enriching experiences.
They award cash grants, offer guidance and loan bagpipes. Most of the support is for piping and drumming tuition that takes place in state schools during the school day, and for schools pipe bands. Their contribution is flexible with the overall aim of developing and supporting well managed and sustainable programmes.
If you would you like to introduce piping and drumming tuition to your school, they can help with cash grants, guidance, free bagpipe and Bb chanter loans and more!
Support falls broadly into the four categories below
Start-Up Funding
This package of guidance, and one-off funding of up to £10,000, enables programmes to get started in areas where most families can afford a modest fee towards tuition. It pays for first year costs such as a free Kick Start weekend and tutor demonstration workshops. Thereafter the majority of tuition fees continue to be covered through parental contribution, and the steering group organises fundraising for other costs. Contact them to find out more.
Open Grant Fund
You can apply to the Open Grant Fund for a one-off cash award up to the value of £5,000. It is usually a matched fund. You can apply for the costs of instruments, workshops, and activities on and off school premises.
To apply read the Open Grant Guidelines then send your completed Open Grant Application Form.
Match Funding for up to Three Years
In areas where tuition needs to be free, or at a subsidised rate of between £1 and £4 per lesson, an organisation or steering group must first raise funds and then apply to the SSPDT for match funding. In these cases, our grant awards are usually less than £10,000 per annum (in exceptional cases up to £20,000). We can help set up a steering group and give guidance about running a tuition and pipe band programme. Contact them to find out more.
Bagpipe Lending
The SSPDT also lend bagpipes for a period of up to three years to organisations that provide tuition during school time. In some cases cash grants are provided as well as instrument loan.
To apply send your completed Bagpipe Loan Application Form.