Educational Bursary Fund

Objectives

To provide financial assistance for players who wish to improve their basic skills at playing the organ. It is envisaged that support will be focussed on two areas:

  1. Students (including mature) who wish to either commence playing the organ or progress their current ability to a higher level.
  2. Pianists (or other instrumentalists) who wish to transfer their skills to the organ.

Award Guidance

  1. Applicants should normally reside within one of the three counties of West Mercia (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire), but applications from outside this catchment area will be considered if we have capacity to help.
  2. Applications will normally be judged against the two objectives stated above.
  3. Priority will be given to first time applicants and those demonstrating effective use of previous support from EBF.
  4. The offer and value of any award will necessarily need take into account the current amount remaining in the Bursary Fund.
  5. Possible usage of any award would typically be to commence lessons (with a teacher approved by the Trustees), the purchase of organ music, organ shoes or support in attending a study course.
  6. Applicants should provide a brief overview of their organ studies and how the award would contribute to their continued musical development. If for a study course, we would ask for a brief report of the course and (after attendance) their experiences.
  7. Applications should be supported by a reference from an appropriate person acceptable to the Trustees.
  8. The Trustees recognise that the monies held in the Bursary Fund have been donated specifically for the two objectives stated above and should be awarded in a timely manner. In recognition of this, if the awards being granted over a period of time are de minimis, an appropriate sum, but subject to 4 above and the approval of the Trustees, may be donated to a nominated Charity with similar objectives.

Grant Allocations

The Trustees have decided not to set maximum grant amounts but have regard to the current amount remaining in the Bursary Fund, the strength of an application, the possibility of support from other similar funds, and the degree of need.  

Some examples of support include

  1. Purchase of music – we encourage all seeking such support to first check what is currently available in WFMO stock and may be obtained free of charge. Typical grants for music may be £30-£60
  2. Purchase of organ shoes.  These generally cost £45-£60 and EBF may fund the full cost 
  3. A ‘taster’ organ lesson.  This would typically cost between £30 and £60 and EBF may fund the full cost. 
  4. A course of up to 6 organ lessons.  Although we do not set a maximum amount, we would need to see evidence of application and progress and the need for support from EBF.
  5. Attendance at workshops and courses. These costs, including travel and accommodation, can be considerable and WMFO would expect to see evidence of applications for support from other funds.  We do not set a maximum amount and would consider the strength of an application. 

EBF does not currently have the level of funding needed to provide or fund a practice instrument but will be happy to help an individual find a practice venue and/or source a 2nd hand practice instrument. These are available from time to time from members at often minimal or reasonable cost – please keep checking on WFMO newsletters and website

Adopted by the Trustees on 23 January 2024 (updated 19 March 2024, 21 January 2026 and 7 July 2026)