We know how tough financial pressures can be for actors and stage managers—especially around this time of year.

That’s why we’re introducing our 'Winter Grant' programme. This programme is here to provide quick, one-time financial support to help actors and stage managers struggling with unexpected costs or bills, preventing them from becoming overwhelming.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship/pressures, please see below for more information, including how to apply.

Please carefully read the FAQs below before contacting us to apply for a Winter Grant.

FAQs

Q: Who can apply?
A: Actors and stage managers with at least two professional credits in the previous two years or one professional credit per year since the start of their career or ten professional credits or more over their career.

Applicants must also: 

• Be aged 18 or older
• Currently live in the UK
• Have a UK bank account
• Have less than £16,000 in household savings or under £23,250 if of pension age or experiencing a long-term health issue. 

Q. What can I apply for support with?
A: If unexpected costs or circumstances have led to financial challenges, we want to hear about them. We have listed a few examples below:

• Are you facing difficulties affording travel to acting work, or had work been cancelled at short notice?
• Do your car or home need urgent repairs, but you're struggling financially?
• Are you feeling financial pressure due to increasing bills?

Q: Are there circumstances where the grant cannot assist?
A: The grant is intended for unexpected costs, so we are not able to assist due to general financial challenges or not being able to get acting work. The programme cannot support with general costs associated with Christmas.

Q: How do you decide who receives support?
A: We assess applications against the Minimum Income Standard. If we receive more eligible applications than we can assist with, we will prioritise those who did not receive support through our cost-of-living grant programme and which demonstrate the greatest financial need. If your application is unsuccessful, we will do our best to signpost you to alternative support.

Q: I am unable to work due to health issues and/or due to my age. Can I apply?
A: We have a separate application process for actors and stage managers facing these challenges. Please complete our enquiry form, email enquiries@abf.org.uk, or call 020 7836 6378 and we’d be pleased to discuss an application.

Q: I am currently a beneficiary of the ABF, can I apply?
A: The Winter Grant is intended for applicants not currently receiving support from the ABF. If you are a current beneficiary, please contact enquiries@abf.org.uk, or call 020 7836 6378.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Please email enquiries@abf.org.uk with the subject heading ‘Winter Grant’ or give us a call on 020 8016 6378 . We will ask about the reason for your application and go from there.

Q: When can I apply?
A: We are expecting a high number of applications for this grant, we may need to pause or close applications if we receive particularly high numbers. Please contact us as soon as you can.

Q: I have submitted an application. When will I hear about the outcome?
A: We are working through applications as quickly as we can. You can expect a response within 10 working days of submitting your application, although we will do our best to be in touch sooner.

Q: Will you be offering a Winter Grant in future years?
A: We will always respond to the needs of actors and stage managers as best we can. For now, this grant programme is a one-time opportunity for 2024.

Q: I have a question which is not covered on this page.
A: Please send an email to enquries@abf.org.uk or call us on 020 8016 6348 and we will be pleased to assist.