Click here for upcoming grants deadlines

You must make sure you book an Individual Career Consultation with our Relationship Management team at least two weeks before you submit your application. Contact us at dancers@thedcd.org.uk with your performance history CV to arrange your Individual Career Consultation.

To make a Retraining Grant application you will need to:

1. Check your eligibility and read the relevant guidelines:
   Partner Company Dancer Guidelines
   Independent & Freelance Dancer Guidelines
   (To check which guidelines apply to you, click here)
2. After reading the guidelines, you can begin your application using the link found within the guidelines document.
3. You will be asked to create an account. Once you have done this, click the ‘Start a new Retraining Grant application’ link at the bottom of the page.
4. You can answer the questions either in written format or by uploading audio files.
5. To submit your application, you will need to have completed the following:
   A. Uploaded a copy of your CV.
   B. Answered all relevant Application Questions.
   C. Uploaded a completed Budget using this spreadsheet template, in Excel format (please do not upload a PDF file).
   D. Provided the name and email address of your referee and ticked the box to confirm you have sent them the reference template. Ensure you have completed the grant applicant details on the reference template, before sending this to your referee.

Important: Grants cannot be considered by DCD’s Grant Committee if a reference has not been provided.  We therefore suggest you ask your referee to let you know when they have sent your reference to DCD, as we are not able to chase outstanding references for applicants.

What Are We Looking For?

To approve your application for a Retraining Grant, we will need to see strong evidence of the following:

• Why now is the right time for you to retrain or diversify their career.
• Why the specific course/study provider is appropriate and meets your needs.
• Research into why this career path is appropriate for you.
• Commitment to studying/requalifying in chosen profession.
• How you will utilise existing relevant skills, experience and knowledge to succeed.
• How the grant will enable you to develop your skills and establish a viable career.
• A realistic budget that includes how you will fund any shortfall in the budget.
• If you are considering dual careers, demonstrate that this will boost your income and that it will be possible to combine the two.
• Have provided one suitable professional reference.

Then What?

• Once an application has been reviewed by the Grants Committee, applicants will receive an email informing them of the outcome of their application.
• If applicants are awarded a retraining grant they will also receive a DCD Funding Agreement, which outlines further details of their award.
• The Funding Agreement needs to be read and signed by the Awardee and returned to DCD before any monies can be paid.

Award Changes and Deadlines:

Any changes (i.e. a change in training providers) to an award will have to be applied for in writing. Any award made by DCD will be valid for 12 months from the date it was approved, but a further 12 month extension may be applied for if necessary.

If you have any queries then please contact the Relationship Management team by emailing us at dancers@thedcd.org.uk