The Comics’ Fund
In our first year, we launched the NextUp Comics’ Fund – a financial pot for supporting comedy endeavors that benefit the comedy or wider community, which acts and partners can apply for.
Two of the successful applicants were Ben Target and Liam Lonergan who used the cash to help support their incredible Care Homes Tour which featured comedians performing to a very different, but just as appreciative (if not more so!) audience.
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian 
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian 
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian 
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian
They performed to the residents of Madelayne Court care home, most of whom were aged over 80 with varying degrees or dementia. One of these comedians works in a care home and recognised the cross-over benefits between his patients needs and experiences, and the connection built and worlds created by physical comedians. NextUp not only financially supported The Care Home Tour but dedicated resources to garner press to help fuel its future growth.
The Guardian covered the event and took some great photos.
Our most recent Comics Fund application deadline was January 30th 2020 and we’re currently discussing which projects to support.
Read the story in The Guardian here.