Organisation Funding

Learning from the Octagon Music Hub Grant Programme 2026–27

Each year, Octagon Music Hub (OMH) invests in organisations that help children and young people across Dorset and Somerset access high-quality music education. But the Grant Programme is about more than distributing funding. The 2026–27 round marked a shift towards a more transparent, evidence-informed and collaborative approach to investment, shaped by our regional Needs Analysis and aligned with the Government’s national plan for music education, Turn It Up.

This year’s programme showed both the strength of the sector and growing demand. The Hub received 23 applications requesting around £1.2 million, against a delivery budget of roughly £900,000. Moderators consistently noted the high quality of applications and the breadth of opportunities proposed. The real challenge wasn’t finding good projects; it was deciding which combination of activity would have the greatest impact for children and young people while responding to the priorities in the Needs Analysis.

Investing in an ecosystem, not a set of projects

Our investment supports a diverse partnership of music services, schools, charities, community organisations, orchestras and specialist providers. Together, they create the progression pathways that take children and young people from a first musical experience through to advanced opportunities, leadership and creative careers. Rather than delivering every activity itself, the Hub acts as a strategic commissioner, bringing organisations together so that every child can access high-quality music, wherever they live.

What the moderation process told us

The strongest applications consistently showed:

• clear progression routes, rather than one-off experiences
• direct and measurable benefits for children and young people
• strong partnership working
• inclusive practice
• good value for money
• a genuine commitment to reaching rural areas and geographic cold spots

Moderators also identified where future rounds could be strengthened: better locality information, clearer outcome measures, greater financial transparency and stronger evidence of impact. They flagged wider priorities too, including an OMH Youth Voice Board, Hub-wide bursary schemes, mapping of progression and post-16 routes, more locality-based commissioning, and a more consistent minimum music offer across both counties. These findings will directly shape future grant programmes.

A commitment to transparency

This year’s programme introduced clearer grant guidance and assessment criteria, wider engagement with organisations across both counties, moderation involving Strategic Advisory Board members and Hub officers, documented funding recommendations, and a record of learning for future rounds. Together, these mark a real step towards a commissioning model that is open, collaborative and evidence-led.

Future funding

The OMH Grant Programme 2026–27 is now closed, and funded activity is underway across Dorset and Somerset. Future funding opportunities will be published on this page as they become available. You don’t need to wait for a live round to talk to us, though: we’re always keen to hear ideas and discuss partnerships before an application is submitted. Book time with the team using the link below.