Heritage Crafts Training Bursary Summer 2026 Round 2

Training bursary application form
Training bursaries are available to new entrants and early-career practitioners in the UK who require financial support to gain the hand skills they need to set themselves on a path to success. Apply for up to £4,000 to start training in a heritage craft or to further develop your skills.

Of the 31 bursaries currently available, we have specific funding allocated for ten Black and ethnically diverse trainees in fashion and four British veterans or former serving British military personnel. The remaining 17 bursaries will be allocated to anyone in the UK experiencing financial need and with a strong training proposal. You will automatically be considered for the general funding pot as well as all of the categories that apply to you.

Bursaries are for:
- new entrants who have demonstrated a commitment to starting a new craft career and need to acquire the necessary hand skills;
- early-career practitioners who have not yet attained the hand skills required to achieve commercial success; or
- early or mid-career craftspeople who need to acquire distinctly different, or new hand skills to develop new ways of achieving commercial success.
You can apply for a grant for any amount up to £4,000 which can cover or contribute towards the costs of:
- apprenticeship-style training with a craftsperson/people;
- attending a specialist training course (accredited or non-accredited);
- undertaking a self-directed programme of training with one or more craftspeople;
- the cost of specialist tools or materials, books or study materials, or supporting travel and accommodation (no more than 30 percent of total budget).
The bursary cannot be used for:
- General living expenses
- Trainee salary
- Research projects
- Exhibitions
- Promotional activities or anything else.
Successful recipients will be supported by our Recipient Engagement and Impact Lead and the wider Heritage Crafts team. We will work with to you whilst monitoring progress and supporting you to achieve your aims.

Click here to download a copy of the questions in advance of filling out the form (reference only)

Please take the time to read through our FAQs online, which will help to answer some important commonly asked questions: Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure what we mean by heritage craft? Please have a look at our list of crafts for more information. If you have any questions about eligibility or need assistance with the application process, please get in touch with Rae Weaver, the Grants, Awards and Membership Officer well in advance of applying, at: rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk

How to apply:

Please apply by filling out this form, by clicking 'Start' below.

Or, make an Audio or Video Application: We will also accept an audio or video application. It should be no more than 15 minutes in length in which you address this full list of questions, and email them to Rae: rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

With any application, we expect you to have a firm idea of the training you wish to do, and ideally a training provider(s) in place. You may find our Craft Map useful in finding Makers in your region who may offer tuition. However, if you are new to a craft and are struggling to find a trainer, you can get in touch with Rae who can try and signpost you: rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk

Eligibility
Time is precious and we don't want you to complete the application if you are not eligible for this training bursary.

If you cannot answer yes to any of the initial questions below, it is unlikely that you will be successful in your application. We hope to be as open as possible but cannot support everyone.
YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Ineligible for funding
Unfortunately, you do not meet the eligibility requirements for a training bursary.

Please take a look at our Opportunities page to find out more about other funding that might be available to you.

If you have any questions or need further advice, please feel free to get in touch with Rae at rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk.

Information required
It is great to hear that you are eligible to apply for a training bursary. To submit the strongest application you can, it is worth gathering the details below in advance of completing the form to avoid any delays.

You are now able to save a draft of your application before submission, however we would strongly recommend you can download a copy of the questions here, so you can prepare your responses before submitting the application.

To complete an application, you will need:
- Full details of the training you would like to take part in - This could be informal one-to-one training or as part of a formal course, or a combination of both.
- Costs for the training and a breakdown of how you would use the funds.
- You will be asked to share the contact details of a referee who can provide a reference in support of your application - The referee could work for a craft organisation, or be a previous trainer/teacher. They should not be a family member or an individual you are planning on training with. Please also ensure they consent to being your reference. (See our FAQ if you need further clarification on a referee).
- Supporting images - Up to four images to help demonstrate your skills to date as well as at least one of you making.
Click 'Next' to continue. Or save and close if you wish to continue later.

Note: The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.
Yes

About you
* Please note, we will only use this information to keep you updated about the work of Heritage Crafts, in accordance with our privacy policy. Heritage Crafts does not pass on contact details to any other individual or organisation.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone number *
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityCounty

Post code
Post code*
We need this to help us understand where across the UK our opportunities are reaching
Date of birth (ie. 01/12/1990)*

DayMonthYear
Ethnicity*
Disability*
Business or organisation (if applicable)
Website (if applicable)
i.e. www.joebloggs.com
Instagram (if applicable)
i.e. www.instagram.com/joebloggs
Facebook (if applicable)
i.e. www.facebook.com/joebloggs
If you have applied to Heritage Crafts previously, what was it for and when?
YesNoNot sure
If no, please take this opportunity to explore how being a member can further support both you and us as a charity: Find out more here.
YesNo
How did you hear about this funding opportunity?*
It's helpful for us to understand where our messages are being heard.

Bursary for Black and ethnically diverse trainees
This category is targeted at Black and ethnically diverse trainees, as this is an under-represented group in heritage crafts. It is sponsored by the Capri Holdings Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Fashion (fashion, accessories and jewellery crafts) and the City & Guilds Foundation (all crafts).

It is still the case that the UK craft sector does not accurately reflect the diversity of the UK as a whole and, for this reason, we are taking positive action to target this grant at Black and ethnically diverse groups who are currently under-represented in the craft sector.

We believe that the value of our craft heritage comes from the diversity of skills and traditions across all of our communities, wherever they originated and whenever they were brought here. We want everyone to feel included in Heritage Crafts and our work, no matter how long they have called this country home or what their background may be.

You will be asked to indicate that you are a Black minority ethnic background maker or prospective maker. You will not be obliged to specify, although you can explain this to us if you wish. For more information on what heritage means to us please read our values statement on heritage. You can also refer to the list of protected characteristics as listed in the Equality Act 2010.
Yes, please consider me for both this and other bursariesNo, please just consider me for other bursaries

Bursary for Black and ethnically diverse trainees (continued)
Optional disclosure: If you wish, please tell us more about the challenges and barriers you face, or have faced in the past, in accessing or participating in craft.
Any personal details that you disclose will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Bursary for British military veterans
This category is targeted at former serving British military personnel and veterans to develop new and rewarding civilian careers in heritage crafts. It is funded by the Royal British Legion.
Yes, please consider me for both this and other bursariesNo, please just consider me for other bursaries
If 'no' please continue as you will be considered under other funding options.

Former military personnel details
Please tick all that apply through your career:
Royal Air ForceRoyal ArmyRoyal NavyRoyal Marines
Please tell us more about your former career in HMForces, including ranks, regiments, years of service and personnel numbers.

Your qualifications and experience
Describe your heritage crafts experience (200 words max)*

0/200
- If you have already trained, please include title of course or qualification, grade, organisation or business where training took place with dates.
- If you are new to craft training but feel that you have transferable skills and a passion for developing your skills, please tell us about it here.
Other qualifications
Please include title of course or qualification, grade, dates
Describe any other relevant experience either inside or outside the craft sector (250 words max)

Salaried and/or voluntary – please include job title, dates, place of employment and a brief description of work undertaken0/250

About the proposed training (continued)
Who is/are the key person/people giving the training (including name, organisation/ business, email and phone number)?*
This may be the craftsperson, tutor or course organiser (if multiple trainers, please include details for all). Heritage Crafts may contact them for more details.
Where will your training take place?*
If you are training in multiple locations, please include details for all of them
What date will you start the training?*
When do you expect to finish the training?*
How many hours per week will you be taught*
How many additional hours per week will you spend practising your craft? *
Please give more details about your proposed training (250 words max)*
- You might want to share why you have selected a specific trainer or training style.
- How will the training be structured to work around other commitments etc.
Explain why you need this training bursary (250 words max)*

0/250
What are your plans for continuing your craft when this training finishes (250 words max)?*

0/250
- For example, will there be employment opportunities with your trainer?
- Do you plan to set up your own business?
How much do you wish to apply for (up to £4,000)? *
- You may apply for funding to cover a major cost (e.g. payment to the training provider/s) and a number of smaller associated costs, including tools, travel/ accommodation or materials (not more than 30% of the bursary total).
- Please note that if the bursary will be used to pay the training provider, Heritage Crafts will ask the training provider to confirm your apprenticeship/ training start date before the bursary funds are released.
- As a charity, Heritage Crafts cannot fund retrospectively (for training or support costs that has already taken place).
Please give a breakdown of how the money will be used (specify individual items of expenditure and the costs associated with them)*
- If you are asking for a part-contribution to your training, please include the full financial breakdown and highlight the elements that this bursary would support
- If not the full amount, how do you intend to finance the rest?
- Please include delivery charges, VAT or other additional costs associated with purchases.

Reference
Please give the details of someone who can provide a reference in support of your application. For example, the referee could work for a craft organisation, or be a previous trainer/teacher. They should not be a family member or an individual you are planning on training with.

Heritage Crafts may contact the referee for further information, so please ensure they are aware you have included them in your application.

For further definition on the criteria for a referee, please see our FAQ.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Organisation/ business name (if applicable)
Email address*
example@example.com
Phone number*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

Postal town/ CityCounty

Postcode
How do you know each other?*

Images
Image upload

Please send up to four images:
- At least one of you making/taking part in your craft, and/or different examples of craft you have already made.
- Please provide these images as .jpeg files (no larger than 10Mb per image.)
- You can also upload PDF, spreadsheets or other supporting documents as needed.
- Please clearly label the images or documents with your full name and numbered 1 to 5 (ie. JoeBloggs1.jpg).
If you have any difficulties uploading your images, you can send them to rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk (you may need to use a free file transfer service such as WeTransfer).
Image or document upload*

This form can accept up to 10MB of files
Cancelof
Photographer credits (if applicable/ if known)
Notes about the work pictured or documents attached (optional)
Permission
I agree

Declaration
If you are under 16 years old, a parent or guardian must complete the declaration below on your behalf.

In the event of being offered a bursary:
- I agree to adhere to Heritage Crafts’ Safe Working Practices, including the Code of Conduct and Expected Behaviour, throughout this bursary
- I undertake to keep the my Heritage Crafts point of contact fully and immediately informed of all developments connected with this project
- I agree to use the bursary only for the purposes listed above
- I will keep and forward to Heritage Crafts all receipts/proof of purchases for items and costs associated with this training bursary
- I understand that I am liable for costs if accurate receipts are not supplied to Heritage Crafts for purchases made as part of the project
- The bursary and all funds will be used within 12 months of the grant offer (unless otherwise agreed with Heritage Crafts)
- I will share updates on progress of my training at key points
- I will accept (by prior appointment) a visit from Heritage Crafts staff
- I agree to images and testimonials shared being used by Heritage Crafts
- I will cooperate (where possible) with any Heritage Crafts publicity requests
I agree (I am the bursary applicant, aged 16 years old or over)I agree on behalf of the bursary applicant

Parent or guardian details (if applicable)
Name, contact number and address (including postcode) should be completed here if completing the declaration on behalf of the applicant.

Signed *
Please type your name in place of a signature
Date*

DayMonthYear
Please verify that you are human*
Should be Empty:

Training bursary application form

How to apply:

Eligibility

Ineligible for funding

Unfortunately, you do not meet the eligibility requirements for a training bursary.

Information required

About you

Your financial circumstances

Challenges to accessing or participating in craft

Bursary for Black and ethnically diverse trainees

Bursary for Black and ethnically diverse trainees (continued)

Bursary for British military veterans

Former military personnel details

Your qualifications and experience

About the proposed training

Who will provide the training?

About the proposed training (continued)

Reference

Images

Image upload

Permission

Declaration