The Elizabeth Eagle‑Bott Memorial Fund (EEBMF) is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary — marking a quarter of a century of life‑changing support for blind and partially sighted musicians.
Founded through the generosity and vision of Miss M. E. Eagle‑Bott, whose Will of 7 May 1987 established the Fund in partnership with RNIB, the EEBMF was created to support the training and development of young blind organists as a first priority, and more broadly to nurture talent across the wider community of blind musicians. Through careful stewardship and investment, the Fund continues to provide meaningful support for musical education, training and artistic growth.
Over more than 25 years, the EEBMF has awarded over £500,000 in grants, helping to launch, shape and sustain countless professional musical careers. Its alumni span a remarkable range of genres, disciplines and career paths, and its impact continues to resonate across the UK’s musical landscape.
The Elizabeth Eagle‑Bott Memorial Fund is unique:
- It is the only fund of its kind offering substantial financial awards dedicated specifically to blind and partially sighted musicians.
- It is guided by an expert panel with nearly 50% representation from musicians with lived experience of blindness or low vision.
- It warmly welcomes a wide diversity of applications, reflecting the breadth of musical talent and ambition within the visually impaired community.
Anniversary Concert at Milton Court
To mark this special milestone, RNIB and Sound Without Sight are hosting a celebratory concert in honour of the Elizabeth Eagle‑Bott Memorial Fund, bringing together alumni, supporters and friends to celebrate 25 years of impact through live music.
Event details
Date: Friday 3rd July 2026
Time: Rehearsals from 2.00pm, followed by an evening concert (event concludes at 9.00pm)
Location: Milton Court Concert Hall, 1 Milton Street, London EC2Y 9BH
Nearest transport: Barbican or Moorgate Underground stations
This special evening will showcase the exceptional talent of blind and partially sighted musicians from across a wide range of musical backgrounds, highlighting the lasting legacy and continuing value of the Fund.
Call for performers: EEBMF Alumni
We are inviting blind and partially sighted musicians who have previously benefited from the Elizabeth Eagle‑Bott Memorial Fund to apply to perform as part of this anniversary concert.
What we are looking for
There are 8 performance slots, each lasting 6–8 minutes.
- Open to musicians of any genre
- Applicants must be aged 18+
- Applicants must have previously received funding from the EEBMF
- Musicians must be available from 2.00pm onwards on Friday 3rd July 2026 for sound check and rehearsal
What performers will receive
In return for taking part, each selected musician will receive:
- A high‑quality video recording of their performance
- A professionally mixed audio recording
- Professional performance photography
- The opportunity to showcase their work at a prestigious London venue to an invited audience
- A contribution towards travel expenses
Performers will also have the opportunity to invite music industry contacts to attend the concert and to take part in a post‑concert networking event, creating valuable opportunities for connection, visibility and career development.
How to apply
Please submit your expression of interest using this form by Wednesday 6th May 2026. If you require the form in an alternative format, please contact: mas@rnib.org.uk
