Royal National Theatre Foundation

The Royal National Theatre Foundation is a registered UK charity (no. 271706) dedicated exclusively to advancing the mission of the Royal National Theatre (NT) on London's South Bank. Established to educate the public in the art of drama and promote appreciation of classical and modern theatre, it upholds values of artistic excellence, accessibility, cultural preservation, and innovation. Its distinctive approach channels all resources into enabling the NT as a global leader in producing, presenting, and distributing exceptional theatre—including Shakespeare, international classics, new works, national tours, and digital platforms like National Theatre Live—while supporting staff welfare and educational outreach to enrich diverse UK audiences.

Funding priorities centre on drama and performing arts, backing NT-led artistic programming, audience development, learning schemes, employee hardship relief, counselling, and infrastructure. Beneficiaries include theatregoers of all ages and backgrounds, drama practitioners, and NT staff/former staff, fostering public engagement and social value through live, touring, and streamed productions.

Eligibility is highly restrictive: solely the NT or its direct initiatives qualify, with no external charities or organisations supported, regardless of size or income. Based in London, activities extend UK-wide via tours and digital means, but no geographic flexibility for others.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; there are no open rounds, deadlines, or published processes—grants are allocated ad hoc by the board to internal NT priorities, with amounts unpublicised but reflecting substantial institutional support. Uniquely, it avoids all external projects, capital grants, or non-NT work, differentiating it as a specialist enabler of one premier arts institution rather than a broad funder.