The new £60,000 fund sets out to support grassroots projects and nurture emerging talent across the UK.
Beatport has announced a new partnership with Youth Music, marking the next step in both of the organizations shared mission to make the electronic music industry more inclusive and accessible. Building on the success of Beatport’s Diversity + Parity Fund and Youth Music’s Rescue the Roots campaign, the collaboration will support young DJs and producers, especially those from underserved communities. In doing so, they vouch to provide the funding, mentorship, and visibility needed to grow in the industry.
The newly announced partnership introduces a £60,000 fund, awarding £15,000 to four grassroots organizations across the UK. In addition to financial support, Beatport will also offer editorial coverage and social media promotion to help expand the reach of these initiatives.
“Electronic music has always been about community, creativity, and breaking down barriers. By partnering with Youth Music, we’re not only investing in the future of the scene, but also making sure that young people, no matter where they come from, have a fair chance to be seen and heard.” – Sofia Ilyas, Chief Community Officer at Beatport
Youth Music’s Rescue the Roots campaign recently revealed that 41% of UK youth music projects are at risk of closure, up from 24% in 2024. To combat this, Youth Music is matching every pound raised, which is up to £1 million, to protect and empower local music organizations and emerging creators.
“Young people from underrepresented backgrounds are uniquely creative because they’ve had to be. Their potential is increasingly blocked by the current funding crisis in grassroots music, limiting access and opportunities. Our partnership with Beatport will help address this, by providing more grassroots organizations with the funding and support needed to empower a more diverse and creative electronic music scene.” — Ife Okonkwo, Partnerships Manager at Youth Music
Together, Beatport and Youth Music are investing in the next generation of DJs, producers, and innovators, further ensuring that the future of electronic music remains diverse and full of fresh voices ready to shape global music culture.
For more info on Youth Music’s Rescue the Roots campaign, visit youthmusic.org.uk/rescue-the-roots.