Frequently Asked Questions
1. Funding Support
1.1 Who do you fund?
We support young people aged 13 to 30 years at the time of application, who live full‑time in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire or Rutland. If you are studying elsewhere but your parents’ home remains in one of these counties, you may still apply.
1.2 What are your residence rules?
Your residence is defined as a full‑time home postal address within Northamptonshire, Leicestershire (including Leicester City) or Rutland. The only exception is for young people whose parents live in one of these areas and who are in full‑time school or college outside the area.
1.3 What are your age criteria?
Applicants must be at least 13 years old on the date of application, and must not exceed 30 years old at the end of their support period.
1.4 What costs do you cover?
We provide support in the following areas:
• Coaching Support – for professional coaching and mentoring (sports, music, performing arts).
• Competition Support – for travel, accommodation, and entry fees for competitions.
• Production Support – for rehearsals, auditions, and pre‑production costs in music or theatre.
• Travers Rising Stars Programme – specialist artist development and performance opportunities.
Grants are awarded through a three‑tier funding model and will cover up to 50% of eligible costs for a typical six‑month programme.
• Coaching Support – for professional coaching and mentoring (sports, music, performing arts).
• Competition Support – for travel, accommodation, and entry fees for competitions.
• Production Support – for rehearsals, auditions, and pre‑production costs in music or theatre.
• Travers Rising Stars Programme – specialist artist development and performance opportunities.
Grants are awarded through a three‑tier funding model and will cover up to 50% of eligible costs for a typical six‑month programme.
1.5 How do I apply for support?
You can apply via the online form at https://www.travers-foundation.org.uk/apply-for-support.html; this will lead you through the application process.
1.6 For how long can I apply for funding?
Our usual period for a grant is six months, but this isn’t fixed. If you have activities lasting longer or shorter, we are happy to consider your application. Please be clear in your application about what timescale you would like our support to cover.
1.7 How long will it take to approve my application?
We aim to process first-time applications in 8-10 weeks. During this time, we may have questions, and we may need some more information. Once we have all the details, we will invite you to meet our funding group, at which point we will decide. You will then receive a letter of offer which you’ll need to accept and sign within 30 days.
Occasionally, we may have limited funds available and may have to delay applications.
Occasionally, we may have limited funds available and may have to delay applications.
1.8 Where do I go to meet the funding group?
The funding panel meets monthly in Gretton or via Teams. You will be notified of your time slot in advance.
1.9 Can I bring someone with me to meet with the funding group?
If you are under 18, you must attend with a parent or guardian. Older applicants may bring a supporter but it's not necessary.
1.10 Is your funding a one-off, or can I apply again?
Once you have completed your first round of funding, you may apply again to continue your support. Subsequent applications are usually processed within a month. There is no limit to how many times you may apply for funding, providing you continue to meet our funding criteria.
1.11 How do you pay for funding?
We will agree on a funding level to support you, and you may claim it based on the expenses you incur. You are required to apply for reimbursement of expenses. This should be done monthly and you will need to include copies of receipts for relevant expenses.
1.12 What do you expect in return from successful applicants?
You must keep us informed of your progress, which is a condition of our funding. We want to know we are having a positive impact and are realistic that that doesn’t occasionally happen for various reasons. We like to use good news stories to promote the work of The Travers Foundation and, from time to time, will use these updates for this purpose.
WE also expect active participation in our fundraising efforts—supporting Foundation events, campaigns, or online activities. This approach ensures that every Member benefits from and contributes to the ongoing success of The Travers Foundation community.
WE also expect active participation in our fundraising efforts—supporting Foundation events, campaigns, or online activities. This approach ensures that every Member benefits from and contributes to the ongoing success of The Travers Foundation community.
1.13 Do you provide loans?
We do not provide loans. All our funding is in the form of a grant.
1.14 Do you give grants?
All our funding is in the form of a grant to a young person.
1.15 What if I live outside your area but attend school in it? Can I apply for funding?
If your permanent residence is outside Northamptonshire, Leicestershire or Rutland you are not eligible.
1.16 Can I apply for a grant to buy equipment?
Sorry, no. The cost of purchasing equipment is excluded from the scope of our funding. This includes sports equipment, musician's instruments, amplification, cameras, sets, costumes, or props.
1.17 Can you help with my university fees?
Unfortunately, we do not fund bursaries, tuition fees or education costs.
1.18 Can a grant cover my marketing costs?
Sorry, no. Marketing in all forms is excluded from the scope of our funding. This includes Marketing an event, exhibition, recording or performance.
1.19 What happens if I don’t spend all the money allocated to me?
Unspent funds are retained by the Foundation and not carried forward unless agreed in advance.
1.20 What happens if my costs are more than my application?
If your actual costs exceed the agreed level, you may submit a new application for additional support at the end of your funding period.
1.21 What do I do if my circumstances change?
This often happens, and be sure to contact us as soon as possible to inform us about your changes.
1.22 What do I do if I’m injured and can’t compete?
You’d be surprised how often athletes get injured; we’re used to dealing with this. You should contact us as soon as possible to let us know about the extent of your injury.