08:00, 15 August 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Amazon has launched a new initiative to assist charities under their Regional Creatives Fund.
Careers in the creative arts are aspirations of so many young people, but access to them is becoming increasingly difficult. Often it is about who you know, and the privilege you have, that gains you admittance to creative industries; and those who are devoid of both are left behind.
Amazon’s Regional Creative Fund, which launched on 8th July, is offering grants of up to £30,000 to charities which help underserved communities into the creative industries.
“Amazon has been a passionate supporter of Creative Industries in the UK for many years and the Regional Creatives Fund will supercharge that support,” said Paul Firth, Director, Global Music Industry, Amazon Music. "We understand talent is everywhere, but access isn't, and we're working to change that."
Free upskilling courses will also be given by Amazon professionals, including those from Amazon Music, Amazon Prime Video and even more, to beneficiaries of any charities in receipt of these grants. This comes in a whole host of forms, from work experience to mentorship, to ensure that these communities are not shut out from the creative industries.
Any charities currently running programmes to assist underserved communities into the creative industries are eligible for the programme, though they must be able to demonstrate how the funds will continue or expand those programmes.
Eligible charities will be able to apply by following this link.
And if you’re concerned about how decisions will be made regarding the grants - don’t be. All grant applications will be assessed by an independent panel, made up of representatives from across the charitable and creative sectors.
Senior leaders from Amazon, as well as The National Theatre, Help Musicians, and more, have been tapped to be part of the decision making committee, ensuring all charities have a fair shot at the grants.
As the organisers of the Smiley Charity Film Awards, we know more than anyone how the charity and creative sectors exist hand in hand. Without the creative industries, charities wouldn’t be able to reach volunteers and donors, or beneficiaries - and as Amazon is demonstrating, many talented people wouldn’t make it into the creative industries without the work of charities.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "I want every young person to have the opportunity to build a successful career within the creative industries, which is one of this country's greatest assets.
"Whether it's in film, TV, gaming, fashion or music, we have so much homegrown talent and I am delighted that the Regional Creatives Fund will help shine a spotlight on that right across the country helping people contribute to our national story."
There are five main areas any applications will be assessed upon, which are:
At Smiley Movement, we have interviewed so many charities that help enable young people to create careers that they love, and the one thing they all have in common is a lack of funds. It isn’t an overstatement to say that this Fund is going to change lives for the better - and help the UK to have a more diverse, representative creative industry.
If you’re a charity interested in applying for the Amazon Regional Creative Fund, you can follow this link to find out more.
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
The King’s Trust. This charity supports young people aged 11-30 to start businesses, gain employment, or access training, with a focus on helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Find out more.
Youth Cinema Project. A program of the Latino Film Institute, YCP integrates filmmaking into schools to develop academic skills, English proficiency, and social-emotional learning. There are also screenings held at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. Learn more here.
City Year UK. This charity works with young people to develop key skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, while supporting them through the transition into employment. Support them here.
This article aligns with the SDG Quality Education, Partnerships For The Goals.
