# The Friends of the Grand

- Type: Trust / foundation
- Charity number: 514538 (https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/514538)
- Website: https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/friends
- Latest income: £12.8k; spending £13k
- What it funds: Arts / culture / heritage / science, Environment / conservation / heritage
- Who it helps: Other charities or voluntary bodies, The general public
- How it gives: Makes grants to organisations, Provides human resources, Acts as an umbrella or resource body
- Area of operation: Cheshire East, Cumbria, Lancashire, Blackpool, Cheshire West & Chester
- Trustees: 10
- Last verified: 2026-11-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Canonical URL: https://opengrant.co.uk/funders/friends-of-grand

The Friends of the Grand support the Blackpool Grand Theatre in different ways. They raise funds from subscriptions and social events to finance projects, primarily aimed at enhancing the comfort of our patrons. Over the last 30 years the Friends have contributed in excess of ?1million towards projects including the provision of new toilets, improved disabled access,i.e.chair lift new box office.

## Open and forthcoming schemes (0)

None in OpenGrant's sources right now.

## Finances by year (Charity Commission)

| Year ending | Income | Spending | Grants to organisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Oct 2025 | £12.8k | £13k | not filed |
| 31 Oct 2024 | £12.6k | £20.3k | not filed |
| 31 Oct 2023 | £19.5k | £308k | not filed |
| 31 Oct 2022 | £8,971 | £68.3k | not filed |
| 31 Oct 2021 | £16k | £17.7k | not filed |

## Charitable objects

> To assist and support Blackpool Grand Theatre Ltd ("The Trust") and Blackpool Grand Theatre (Arts and Entertainments) Ltd ("A&E") in all aspects of their charitable purposes, including (and not limited to) all aspects of the management, maintenance, control, operations, development, programming, facilities, fixtures, fittings, heritage, promotion, marketing, productions, fundraising, educational, cultural and social activities of The Grand.To promote interest in the performing arts.To promote social and other events that benefit the general public, including members of the Friends and audiences of The Grand.To provide a medium/contact to enable members of the Friends to submit suggestions and issues relating to the theatre.

## What it funds

The Friends of the Grand is registered under the Charity Commission purposes arts / culture / heritage / science and environment / conservation / heritage for other charities or voluntary bodies; the register records that it makes grants to organisations, provides human resources and acts as an umbrella or resource body. In its latest reported year The Friends of the Grand reported income of £12.8k and spending of £13k. Over its last 5 reported years, to 31 Oct 2025, it spent £428k in total.

The Charity Commission register lists its area of operation as Cheshire East, Cumbria, Lancashire, Blackpool and Cheshire West & Chester.

## How to apply

OpenGrant has not found an open scheme from The Friends of the Grand in its sources (last checked 5 Nov 2026). Its website (blackpoolgrand.co.uk) may list programmes that are not yet open or are by invitation only. OpenGrant does not take applications; always check the funder's own guidance.

## Questions

### Is The Friends of the Grand open for applications now?

Not in OpenGrant's sources as of 5 Nov 2026: no open or forthcoming scheme from The Friends of the Grand is listed. Check the funder's website for programmes that are not yet open or that it does not advertise.

### Where does The Friends of the Grand fund?

The Charity Commission register lists its area of operation as Cheshire East, Cumbria, Lancashire, Blackpool and Cheshire West & Chester.

### Does The Friends of the Grand give grants to individuals?

The Charity Commission register records that The Friends of the Grand makes grants to organisations, not that it makes grants to individuals.

### How much does The Friends of the Grand give each year?

The register does not break out The Friends of the Grand's grants for its latest year (only charities with income over £500,000 file that detail). Its total spending in the year to 31 Oct 2025 was £13k. Over its last 5 reported years its spending averaged £85.5k a year.

### How large is The Friends of the Grand?

In its latest reported year The Friends of the Grand reported income of £12.8k and spending of £13k.


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## Guides

- [Arts and heritage grants in Scotland: what is open now and who funds it](https://opengrant.co.uk/blog/arts-and-heritage-grants-in-scotland)
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- [Environmental grants for UK charities in 2026: who funds nature, climate and green community work](https://opengrant.co.uk/blog/environmental-grants-for-uk-charities)