Providing timely financial support gives actor-parents vital breathing space and helps ease immediate hardships. Today’s families face serious challenges—from financial instability and rising living costs to supporting children with mental health concerns, as well as navigating educational inequalities, particularly for those with SEND needs. Our top priority is reducing the risk of families reaching crisis point.
Our grants can make a meaningful difference—helping actor-parents stay in work, cover travel and housing costs, access therapies, and support essential school or after-school activities for children.
Here’s what ACT can help fund. If it benefits your child, just ask—we’re flexible. We don’t fund legal costs or private school fees. Grants are paid directly to parents, are tax-free, and won’t affect benefits.
Life can change suddenly – illness, separation, unexpected bills or urgent moves. Whatever you’re facing, talk to us. We can also refer you to trusted partners like the Royal Theatrical Fund and Equity Charitable Trust.
Raising a child with a disability often means higher costs and long waits for support. ACT can help bridge the gap. SEND costs are often double— tell us the actual costs, and we’ll consider each case individually.
We’re proud to support working actor-parents, but due to higher demand and reduced funding, most childcare grants are paused.
Right now, we can only offer up to £20/day per child for castings, including self-tapes.
We hope to resume broader childcare grants soon — up to £100/ week per child to help make acting jobs possible.
If eligible, ACT may help with non-teaching costs like uniform at private schools—just ask. We understand SEND support can cost more. We don’t fund home-schooling unless it’s due to specific needs.
If you are on a touring production, the costs of travel to get home to see your child may be prohibitive. We will fund rail/bus travel vouchers to help to support regular visits home.
Whether it’s a planned move or one you wouldn’t have chosen, moving home can mean several
big costs all at once.
ACT can help take the pressure off in the first month.
Acting work isn’t always predictable — but your child’s activities can be. Where appropriate, ACT may consider covering a full-term costs so that you can commit to an activities programme, whatever happens with work. After a year with us, we often agree support for the following year too.
16 - 18 year olds
18+ students and apprentices
ACT often funds clothing and kit that isn’t school uniform. We fund children’s beds and furniture, not related to moving house. We are open to requests and will do whatever we can do to help.
