SAMRO has opened applications for the Music Creation Support Fund (MCSF) 2027, inviting eligible Full and Associate Members to apply for funding towards the creation of new, original musical works.
The latest funding cycle will provide grants of up to R25,000 to 120 eligible members, representing a total investment of R3 million. Funding may support projects including albums, singles, compositions, music videos and scores, with a focus on developing original, royalty-generating works.
MCSF in Numbers
Since its inception in 2021, the Music Creation Support Fund has distributed R16.5 million and supported 660 members. SAMRO recorded 4,183 applications across the 2021 to 2026 funding cycles.
SAMRO continues to track participation across gender and regions. Female applications rose from 17% in 2022 to 36% in 2023, while the 2026 cohort comprised 85.5% male, 14% female and 0.5% non-binary recipients. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape continue to account for the highest levels of applications.
SAMRO is encouraging members across South Africa, particularly female and non-binary members, to participate in the 2027 funding cycle.
Who Can Apply?
The MCSF is open to Full and Associate Members of SAMRO. These are earning members who are eligible to attend and vote at SAMRO’s Annual General Meeting.
Under SAMRO’s CSI Policy, a three-year cooling-off period applies to members who have previously received support or funding through a SAMRO CSI initiative. Applicants who received CSI support within the preceding three years are therefore not eligible for this funding cycle.
How Applications Will Be Assessed
Applications will be assessed on merit by an independent, multi-disciplinary committee of industry professionals. The adjudication process will consider the originality of the work, the feasibility of the work plan and budget, and the potential success of the project. The committee’s decisions are final.
Application Dates
Applications open on 1 September 2026 and close at 17:00 on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
