Apply for new QEST craft grants

If you are looking for funding to help with craft training, education and skills development, consider applying for a grant from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST). The QEST charity has a mission to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK.

QEST supports contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. It provides funding for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker Grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary. Successful Scholars also receive a place on the Cockpit Professional Development Programme.

Training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one tuition with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses. If you’re looking to develop your skills and have identified training that will enable you to advance your craft practice, then one of QEST’s grants may be for you.

Many glass artists have received funding since QEST launched in 1990. For example, the Autumn 2025 cohort included Cathryn Shilling, who was awarded the Winch Design Scholar – Glasswork, Kiln Formed Glass grant. She will use this money to expand her technical expertise through advanced training with three master craftspeople: water, oil and glass gilding with Richard Walker in Hampshire; image and glass processes with Helen Slater Stokes in Oxfordshire; and airbrush and glass painting with Opal Seabrook in Hertfordshire.

QEST funding has provided an essential turning point for many QEST Alumni, and the organisation continues to support each craftsperson throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations and commissions through their extensive craft network.

The deadline for this latest round of applications is 18 February 2026 at 5pm.

If this is too soon, note that applications are open twice a year, with the Autumn round running from 15 July to 19 August 2026.

Find out more and apply via the QEST website: https://www.qest.org.uk/qestgrants

Founded in 1990, QEST has awarded £7.5 million to almost 900 craftspeople working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines. It was established by the Royal Warrant Holders Association to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. HM The King is the Charity’s Patron.

Photo: Shaping glass in the hot shop. Photo: Julian Calder, courtesy of QEST.