Ronnie Scott's Charitable Foundation
Inspiring the next generation of jazz talent
The Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the support of jazz and music education in the UK and beyond. Launched in December 2015, the charity’s aim is to ensure that music education is accessible to every child and young person. By raising and distributing funds, gifting musical instruments, and working with other organisations to create and develop youth music education programmes, the charity has benefited thousands of schoolchildren in cities across the country, and around the world.
Funding Rounds
We welcome applications to the Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation’s ongoing grants scheme, where organisations can receive financial support of £250 to £10,000.
To be eligible, you must be a UK‑based organisation delivering music education programmes for children or young people. We are particularly keen to hear from organisations working with children facing financial hardship or challenging social circumstances.
Receipt grant recipients include:
A long‑running Saturday music school offering instrumental lessons, ensembles and early‑years music sessions for children aged 18 months to 18 years. Their recent grant supports the continuation of specialist music classes for children with additional needs, delivered by a trained music therapist. These small group sessions provide a supportive environment for children aged 5–12 to explore music, build confidence and develop communication skills.
B:Music’s B:and Together programme brings young musicians from Birmingham and the West Midlands together for fortnightly Saturday sessions at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Participants aged 11–19 receive high‑quality tuition in jazz and gospel, developing their playing, improvisation and performance skills while connecting with like‑minded peers. The programme includes public performances, progression routes and wider talent‑development opportunities, helping young people explore their musical potential and consider future careers in the creative industries.
Woolwich Creative Club provides free, high‑quality instrumental and vocal tuition for children aged 9–16 in Woolwich and surrounding areas, removing financial barriers to music education. Led by renowned musicians and supported by Trinity Laban Conservatoire, the club offers weekly band sessions that build skills, confidence and community. Our grant supports their ambition to expand provision and reach more young people, strengthening a programme that already plays a vital role in the cultural life of the local area.
Southbank Sessions provides high‑quality jazz and global music education for young people in South London, particularly those facing challenging circumstances. Our grant supports their weekly Friday after‑school programme at Southbank Centre, offering drumming, brass, woodwind, steel pan, dance and performance opportunities led by experienced creative leaders. The project gives young people a safe, inspiring space at a high‑risk time of the week, while nurturing musical skills, confidence and community pride. Many alumni have progressed into professional creative careers, returning to mentor the next generation.
For more information or to request an application form email: foundation@ronniescotts.co.uk
Workshops
In addition to our grant programme, we provide a variety of free music workshops for schools and organisations, designed to develop musical skills and open pathways into the wider music industry. Through hands‑on sessions, career insights and live performance opportunities, we aim to inspire young people to expand their sense of opportunity and discover where they fit within the musical landscape.
Please see below some of our music offerings.
A bi‑monthly Saturday workshop offering young musicians a dynamic space to develop improvisation skills and experience the collaborative energy of jam sessions. Designed for players at Grade 5 and above, it’s an ideal opportunity to build confidence and musicianship in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Our next Jam Session Workshop will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026.
Producing music is deeply rewarding, blending artistic creativity with technical skill. Our practical workshops introduce students to the fundamentals of music production, giving them the tools to develop and define their own sound. Along the way, they build transferable skills such as problem‑solving, digital literacy, and creative confidence, all of which support their wider musical and personal development.
We deliver bi‑monthly group singing and creative‑writing workshops designed to build musical, creative and personal skills. Recent sessions have explored vocal technique, harmony, ensemble work, lyric writing, and storytelling, helping students shape their ideas into clear narratives. Working alongside our house band, participants also develop performance skills, including collaboration, stage presence, audience awareness and delivery.
Our next Choir Workshop will take place on Saturday 30 May 2026.
Our Access to Industry event is one of the highlights of our calendar, created for young adults aged 16–30 who are aspiring to build careers in the creative sector. With so many emerging musicians and artists seeking guidance, we’re proud to offer a welcoming space where they can ask honest questions and gain practical insight into working in the industry, often sparking new ideas, connections and a stronger sense of possibility.
We foster open, candid conversation, inviting panellists - from music lawyers and bookers to sound engineers and session musicians - to share their expertise as well as their personal journeys and challenges, giving attendees direct access to those shaping today’s music industry.
Coined Ronnie’s On The Road, our outreach programme brings professional musicians and singers directly into schools and community organisations to deliver on‑site workshops. Watching musicians and young people collaborate in new environments has been a genuine highlight, creating experiences that resonate far beyond the walls of the club.
This year, we partnered with Hoxton Hall to run a series of intimate workshops focused on band‑building and, just as importantly, confidence‑building for young people who rarely have the opportunity to travel outside their borough. Working with the same musicians across multiple sessions allowed us to build a real rapport with an exceptionally talented group, whom we hope to welcome to Ronnie’s in the near future.
Come and join us!
Above all, it is the children who continue to inspire us. Their talent, curiosity, and energy fill the club and shape the spirit that makes Ronnie Scott’s such a special place to learn and grow.
Our grant programmes and workshops are open to everyone, and we welcome enquiries from schools and organisations interested in getting involved. If you don’t see a session that fits your needs, we can create bespoke workshops tailored to your students. With a broad network of musicians and singers, we’re well equipped to support almost any musical project.
How can you help?
- Donating, via the club's website when you buy a ticket or via Just Giving.
- Buying a Champagne Socialist cocktail next time you visit the club. All proceeds go to the Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation.
Charity number: 1163990. Trustees: Fred Nash, Sarah Coyne, Alistair Mackenzie.
Contact us
If you would like to understand how your child, school students, or organisation might get involved, please email us at foundation@ronniescotts.co.uk
Annual Gala
Our annual charity gala is a highlight of the year, bringing together outstanding performances and raising vital funds for the Foundation. Last year’s event featured unforgettable sets from Natalie Williams and East London Arts and Music (ELAM) students, who showcased the music they had developed with the Ronnie’s house band earlier in the year. The atmosphere was electric, and we were genuinely touched to be joined by so many of our members, whose support helped make the evening unforgettable.