In 2012, ABRSM set up the International Sponsorship Fund as part of its commitment to inspiring musical achievement worldwide.

ABRSM is an organisation with a global outlook and creating connections with music teachers and learners around the world is a fundamental part of its day-to-day work, not only as a leading provider of music assessments and educational resources but also as an advocate for the power and value of music education. The International Sponsorship Fund is just one way in which we are making a difference and supporting musical journeys, whatever they may be.

The fund is open to organisations outside the UK and Ireland, with a focus on high quality music education projects and programmes whose activities touch on areas such as encouraging progression, providing opportunities where there are social or economic barriers to access, offering training for teachers, and providing inspiring experiences for learners.

Each year the ABRSM International Sponsorship Fund committee awards a number of grants and so far over 20 different organisations have benefitted from this sponsorship. The reach of the fund is global, with recipients across Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean. The impact of the fund is wide and varied: In Jamaica it has enabled instruments to be bought and repaired, in Columbia it has supported music lessons and teacher training, in Uganda and India it has supported education projects which use music to motivate and support young people. There is also a focus on community activities, through local festivals and outreach work, and on high quality performance opportunities for young musicians in youth ensembles, orchestras and choirs.

We will be accepting applications for the ABRSM International Sponsorship Fund 2020 from 20 August 2019 until 12 November.

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