The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund provides grants ranging from £2,000 to £30,000 to organizations in England that support children and young people (aged 25 and under) in making, learning, and earning through music. This fund is particularly focused on projects that are innovative, test new approaches, or challenge the status quo in music education and participation. The fund is open to organizations that address one or more of the following themes: early years, disabled and neurodivergent young people, youth justice, young people facing barriers, young adults, and workforce development.

Applications for the Trailblazer Fund are accepted in multiple rounds each year. The fund has a straightforward one-stage application process, with decisions typically communicated within three months of the application deadline. Successful projects should aim to last between 6 to 24 months. Additionally, organizations applying for this fund must be UK-based and legally constituted, with recent financial accounts and a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

The fund also requires that a minimum of 10% match funding be secured, with at least 5% being in cash. This match funding helps to ensure that projects have additional financial support beyond the grant provided by Youth Music. The next rounds of applications are due by August 30, 2024, and November 22, 2024, with project start dates ranging from January to June 2025. The Trailblazer Fund encourages applications that involve co-design with young people and emphasize reflection and adaptation throughout the project lifecycle.