Grants for elementary music education

Grants for elementary music programs: Many funding options are available for parents who want to bring music education into their kids’ elementary school experience. Whether you’re looking for a community grant that enables children to take private lessons in the arts or looking for monetary assistance raising funds to make your band or orchestra accessible, there are grants out there.

Music education is a subject that should be part of every child’s introduction to school. However, elementary schools with limited funding may need more funding to provide each student with a music class or instrument. Grants can help fill the gap and ensure every child is included in the musical experience.

Grants for elementary music programs come from several sources. The first is community grants organizations sponsor and distribute to people in the same community. This can include several local organizations, from the YMCA to the Rotary Club.

Another source of funding is the state government. Many states offer grants for elementary music education. These can often be specifically designated for families with financial hardships. The state also provides to fund teachers’ salaries and acquisitions like pianos and other supplies.

Federal grants are another source of funding. Like state grants for high school band programs, the federal government provides funding for elementary music education. However, it is much less likely to be given to students living in financially stable households.

This money goes towards schools and districts that meet the minimum requirements of poverty levels in their student population. Often the requirements are so high that even the poorest schools in America do not qualify for federal education funding.

Finally, there are Grants for elementary music programs and foundations for elementary music education. These are funded by private individuals and corporations who want to ensure students get the music education they need.

Grant money is made available to organizations, both big and small. Feel free to ask your local symphony orchestra, community foundation, or school district for information about funding sources. They can point you in the right direction if they cannot provide a direct gift of funds.

Music grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Purchasing musical instruments and equipment
• Supporting music education programs in schools and communities
• Funding music research and development projects
• Supporting the production and distribution of recorded music
• Providing financial assistance to musicians, music teachers, and music students
• Supporting the preservation and promotion of music and cultural heritage

Grants for elementary music programs may have specific eligibility criteria, such as the type of music-related activity or project being supported, the location of the recipient, or the financial need of the recipient. They may also have specific application requirements, such as the submission of a grant proposal, a detailed budget, and letters of reference.

Music grants are competitive, and the selection process may involve a review of grant proposals by a panel of experts in the music industry. The amount of funding provided by a music grant can vary widely, and some grants may provide multi-year funding for ongoing projects.

Organizations help with Grants for elementary music programs

Some funding is given to public schools specifically to purchase the items they need in the arts. This can include instruments, teachers’ salaries, and curriculum materials.

If you have your elementary music program outside of school, like a private music teacher or piano instructor, this can also be a great way to get funding if you need help with costs.

If you take out a loan or credit card to pay for your children’s lessons and instruments, you may need help making payments later if your income suddenly drops.

1) Charles Stewart Mott Foundation 

Charles Stewart Mott, a businessman, and philanthropist from Flint, Michigan, established the Charles Stewart Mott Organization in 1926 as a private foundation. Through his work with General Motors, Mott established himself as a prominent businessman in the Flint area.

In addition to funding particular exploratory projects, the foundation is responsible for administering monies through the following four programs: Civil Society, Environment, Flint Area, and Pathways out of Poverty. It provides financial assistance to charitable organizations all around the United States and, to a lesser extent, overseas.

The foundation ended the year with assets of $2.6 billion and distributed 545 grants totaling $107.3 million. In 2006, the organization had a total asset value of $2.6 billion. Kettering University,  The Nature Conservancy, University of Michigan,  Afterschool Alliance, Kentucky Child Now, Flint Institute of Arts, and Focus: HOPE are some organizations that have received funding from the foundation.

Both the European Foundation Centre and the Network of European Foundations for Innovative Cooperation (NEF) count it as a member organization. C.S. Mott laid the groundwork for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in June of 1926.

The foundation began donating yearly to the Flint Institute of Arts in 1928. This annual payment was redirected to the Flint Cultural Center in 1958, the year it was established as a separate entity from the city of Flint.

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation provided funding in 1968 for acquiring undeveloped land in Genesee County, with the condition that a parks commission first be established. This led to the establishment of the Genesee County park system.

Eligibility for Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

• A Business, university, or college in the U.S. must be classified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
• Programs considered “exploratory” are also eligible for support from the foundation.

2) Entergy Charitable Foundation

The Entergy Charitable Foundation was established to provide financial assistance to projects that contribute to developing and maintaining thriving communities. The areas of education and workforce development, as well as poverty alleviation and environmental program funding, are the primary focuses of foundation support.

Education and training for professional advancement

Through its contributions to educational endeavors, Entergy invests in the bright future of the communities it serves. Education enables people to realize their full potential and make constructive contributions to society, both of which are made possible.

A staff that is not only educated and talented but also diverse is essential to the long-term success of Entergy and the health and vitality of the communities they serve. The Entergy Charitable Foundation and its educational partners aim to provide every child with the opportunity to obtain a good education and the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed.

Poverty solutions

The economic realities of the region that Entergy serves are the impetus for the company’s commitment to finding solutions to poverty. Their service coverage extends into parts of some of the states with the greatest rates of poverty in the country.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation’s mission is to fund initiatives that offer innovative and verifiable solutions to poverty as well as tools that can assist in breaking the cycle of poverty that can be passed down from generation to generation. These kinds of programs might include, but are not limited to, things like the following:

• Maintaining self-sufficiency and providing for families
• Training and assistance with technology for non-profit organizations
• Housing Preparation for Homeownership of Housing
• Management of energy and knowledge of its importance
• Innovative applications of alternative energy sources, together with their promotion

Environmental programs

It is well known throughout the country that Entergy is an environmentally conscious utility. In 2000, Entergy was the first utility company in the United States to commit voluntarily to stabilizing its carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition to their dedication to achieving outstanding results in their environmental performance, they are also dedicated to collaborating with charitable organizations and other community partners to preserve, restore, and protect the natural splendor and biodiversity of the areas that they serve.

The Gulf Coast region, which is experiencing one of the world’s highest paces of wetland loss, particularly along Coastal Louisiana, is home to a significant portion of Entergy’s customer base and most of its utility infrastructure.

This region accounts for a large portion of Entergy’s revenue. Collaborating with local communities to repair and preserve barrier islands and coastal wetlands, which act as a natural buffer against the destructive effects of storms, should be considered the first line of defense in the fight to stop additional habitat destruction. To achieve this goal, the Entergy Charitable Foundation wants to make investments in projects including the following:

• Reconstruction of the coasts and wetland areas
• Reforestation
• Stormwater management
• Energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy
• Environmental education for communities to build resiliency and reduce impacts

Eligibility for Entergy Charitable Foundation

Only organizations that fit the following criteria will be eligible to receive grants:

• A public charity or private foundation that meets the requirements to be a tax-exempt entity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; a school, hospital, governmental unit, or religious institution that maintains a tax-exempt status comparable to that of section 501(c)(3) organizations; a state or local government, but only if a donation to either is made exclusively for public purposes.
• A group of military veterans that meets the requirements to be classified as a 501(c)(3) (c)
• (19) tax-exempt entity, a volunteer fire department that qualifies as a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt entity

The Entergy Charitable Foundation will NOT provide funding for the following:

• Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) or a status comparable to that of a non-profit
• Bills for services rendered to be paid
• Political parties, campaigns, or groups
• Gala events, testimonials or fundraiser banquets, adverts in programs, and other similar actions can all be classified as forms of fundraising.
• The acquisition of uniforms, equipment, or travel expenses for school-related groups or amateur athletic teams
• Those endeavors whose only objective is to foster or provide support for a particular religion, denomination, or religious institution
• grants for high school band programs awarded to people as well as loans of any kind
• Any business that is either owned or run by a current or former employee of Entergy

3) Laird Norton Family Foundation 

The Laird Norton Family Foundation (LNFF) is a private family foundation based in Seattle, Washington, with the goals of 1) honoring and reflecting the family’s shared values through giving, and 2) engaging the family in philanthropy as a platform for strengthening family connections. The LNFF was established to honor and reflect the family’s shared values through giving.

The Laird Norton family is a family that has been around for seven generations, and there are nearly 500 live family members scattered over the globe. Grants totaling approximately $1.25 million are distributed annually by the LNFF across five program areas considered to be of strategic importance to the family.

These program areas are the Arts in Education Fund, the Climate Change Fund, the Human Services Fund, the Watershed Stewardship Fund, and the Sapling Fund (Youth Development).

By browsing their site, you will get more information on the family’s influence, and they welcome you to take advantage of this opportunity. Please be aware that the foundation only considers proposals or letters of inquiry that have been specifically requested.

During 2022, the foundation will continue to prioritize grant financing to assist its existing partners in facilitating a rapid response to the community’s requirements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this move, they can only take on a limited number of additional partnership commitments.

Eligibility Criteria For Laird Norton Family Foundation

• For a potential applicant to be eligible for consideration by the LNFF, they must have a 501(c)(3) status. The LNFF is interested in supporting community-driven efforts that:
• An applicant must fit these criteria to be accepted by the foundation for further funding.
• Grant funds are available for $10,000 – $100,000. Grant requests over $100,000 will not be considered at this time.

4) Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

Grants are awarded by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation in the following three focus areas: social causes, performing arts, and environmental protection.

Conservation

The grant-making efforts of the Foundation for Conservation are principally concentrated on problems relating to ocean conservation. The following are Conservation’s top priorities:

• Giving one’s backing to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas
• Promoting responsible and sustainable management of fisheries
• Putting an end to fishing that is both illegal and unreported, as well as unregulated
• Protecting the various types of sharks and rays found around the world
• reducing the amount of pollution caused by plastics and other waste found in the ocean
• ensuring the survival of coral populations and ecosystems

On a case-by-case basis, grant applications for other ocean-related conservation initiatives may be considered.

Visual and Performing Arts

The presentation, continuation, and spread of performing arts events, with a particular emphasis on classical music and theater, are all things the Performing Arts program hopes to help facilitate. Performers, presenters (including broadcasters), and instructors from the professional world are represented among the grantee organizations.

At this time, they are contemplating awarding funding to the metropolitan area of Chicago, Cleveland, the city of Detroit, and the Mid-Atlantic Region (from Washington, D.C., north to Philadelphia, PA). Please be aware that they do not currently provide funding for dance or cinema. Additionally, they do not provide funding for individual commissions.

Social Impact

The foundation’s grant-making in the area of Social Impact aims to build equitable, safe, and prosperous communities, with a special focus on low-income communities that are African-American, Latino/a, Asian, Arab, and Native American (ALAANA). This objective’s accomplishment calls for long-term and comprehensive ways headed by individuals familiar with both the problems and the potential.

The foundation is committed to knowledge and addressing the underlying causes of persistent unfairnesses for ALAANA families and communities, including the profoundly harmful effects of structural racism and white supremacy.

This includes the foundation’s commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of persistent inequities. The foundation provides funding for initiatives that broaden people’s access to possibilities that can lead to meaningful lives, such as high-quality education, networks of support and healing, economic assets, and employment.

In addition, the foundation provides funding for antiracist education, organizing, and advocacy projects that have a good chance of bringing about significant structural change.

Many ALAANA communities have experienced unjust imbalances in practically every area of their social, economic, and civic life due to disinvestment by the public and private sectors. At the same time, every neighborhood is the location of individuals, families, businesses, and institutions that are inventive and tenacious.

The foundation’s grant-making goal in social impact is to acknowledge both of these facts while simultaneously learning from and supporting deliberate and strategic changemakers. The fields of education, economic empowerment, and criminal justice are being prioritized.

Eligibility for Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

• Applicants must be recognized as a public charity and have a letter of determination from the Internal Revenue Service stating that they qualify under section 501(c)(3).
• You are also welcome to apply if your organization is multinational and works in Conservation.

5) McGraw Foundation 

The McGraw Foundation is a private organization that does not carry on its operations. Its objective is to offer monetary support for educational and humanitarian endeavors to advance the common good and enhance the quality of life for all people.

Since its founding in 1948, the McGraw Foundation has provided financial assistance to numerous philanthropic and educational organizations for seventy-five years. Max McGraw and other family members and friends have contributed to the foundation.

The McGraw Foundation, which has its headquarters in Dundee, Illinois, awards financial support to charitable groups on an annual basis. Education is the primary goal, including education at all levels, concentrating on higher education in the scientific and environmental sectors.

In addition, financial assistance is provided to organizations that provide social services, focusing on organizations that work with children. Additionally, the foundation occasionally provides financial assistance to recipients in health, medical research, and the arts.

The Max McGraw Foundation has also provided significant financial support to its sister organization, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, to continue Max McGraw’s long-standing commitment to the protection of natural habitats and natural resources as well as the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Eligibility for McGraw Foundation

Applications for awards that take the form of letters containing proposals is accepted. All submissions must include the organization’s mission statement and some background information.

• Applicants are expected to provide as much relevant material as possible to explain and adequately defend their need for financial support adequately.
• A significant amount of focus will be placed on determining whether or not the ratios of administrative expenses and the costs of fundraising are appropriate. It is required of organizations they have the willing to have the results of a grant audited.

The proposal needs to be accompanied by the following information, which should be indexed on a cover sheet:

Identifying information, including a mailing address, together with the name of the organization.

• Amount requested
• The particular goal of the money
• Location (or locations) specific to the project or service
• Specifics regarding additional funding sources and quantities, including a directory of charitable organizations
• A list of the active members of the board
• Government budget data (for the project, if the request is for a specific project)
• Documentation demonstrating that the organization is exempt from paying taxes at the federal level (but not at the state level), such as a recent letter from a 501(c)(3) organization bearing the designations 509(a)(1) or (a)(2).
• Statements of most recent audited financial activity

Grants for music education programs

The Foundation for Music Education awards local and statewide education programs that benefit children, the community, and the music industry. The grant is structured to encourage maximum flexibility in program design.

Applications should contain detailed information about the proposed project, including program goals and objectives; an organizational description; a statement of need; a budget; staffing levels; the timeline for implementation; and a summary of administrative information (board members, staff contact list, etc.).

1) Monat Gratitude Agency

MONAT Gratitude offers one-time financial assistance awards to grantees of $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the nature of the donation. The review of grants takes place three times a year; the dates of these reviews are subject to change and will be communicated by email, updates to the website, and social media. This is a unique non-monetary donation in which 100% of the donations go into restoring generational harmony.

Eligibility for Monat Gratitude Agency

The following eligibility requirements must be met:

• The Monat Gratitude Agency reviews applications from non-governmental, non-profit organizations that assist in health (including mental and physical), education, and social welfare.
• Those who apply for grants must be registered and in good standing with the organization’s country of operation. In addition, applicants will need to supply a brief description of the organization and a copy of their current registration certificate.

2) Sparkplug Foundation 

Only current and former grantees in the education or community organization funding areas can apply for funds under the Emergency Grant program. Unfortunately, they cannot consider applications for Emergency Grants from individuals who have not previously received one of these grants.

The application for an Emergency Grant must be submitted, and then the grant must be approved after a quick review by the board. Applications for funding from the Emergency Grant must demonstrate that the need for funds is due to unforeseen occurrences, unexpected opportunities, and a lack of time to seek funding from other sources. Only organizations with an annual budget of less than $500,000 can receive financing through the Emergency Grant program.

Requests for Emergency Grants can be for up to $5,000 maximum. The following are not eligible for financial support from Emergency Grants:

• Unexpected events that arise in an individual’s life, such as the need for food, rent, medical treatment, or child care, among other things;
• Compensation for costs incurred in the past that have been reimbursed;
• Assistance for endeavors that do not have a specific completion date;
• Fees and payments resulting from expenses for ongoing initiatives that were not anticipated or budgeted for. Requests to participate in professional events such as seminars, conferences, workshops, or lectures and requests to compete in events.

Emergency grants for high school band programs provide one-time assistance. There is a possibility that we will award multiple Emergency Grants to the same organization.

Eligibility for Sparkplug Foundation

• Send a quick message to their Program Officer ([email protected]) with a request for an application for Emergency Grant assistance, along with a brief explanation of the immediate need. Include the name, phone number, and email address of a person who may be reached for more information.
• You will be sent an email with a link to the online application if your request is within the parameters of the application requirements.
• As soon as they receive the application, they will review it and get back to you as soon as we can, but no later than four weeks after that.
• The cash will be made available immediately if the application is accepted.
• Recipients must send a brief report on the financed activities to the Sparkplug Foundation by email three months after the date of the Emergency Grant.

3) Kinder Morgan Grant 

The Kinder Morgan Foundation provides music education funding statistics for initiatives encouraging kids in kindergarten through high school to pursue their academic and artistic interests in specific locations where Kinder Morgan conducts its business.

The Foundation does not consider unsolicited applications for financing; rather, it chooses charity organizations to which it will provide grants based on the areas in which it focuses its efforts.

Most contributions are put toward programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and grants are distributed to assist educational and artistic initiatives that benefit traditionally underrepresented youngsters such as minorities and females.

In addition, the KM Foundation assists charitable organizations through its employee matching gift program, its disaster relief program, and by participating in targeted United Way matching campaigns in various regions across the United States.

The employee matching gift program at Kinder Morgan is supported financially by the Kinder Morgan Foundation. The initiative will match donations made to non-profit organizations working in the following fields up to a maximum of $2,000:

• Primary and secondary schools offer students from underrepresented groups, such as minorities and females, access to STEM education programs that benefit them.
• Educational foundations and programs (such as those at universities, public and private schools, and so on) and arts programs may get funding.

Eligibility for Kinder Morgan Grant

• The program must possess a proven track record of accomplishment, serve more than 500 underserved students in grades K 12, and meet certain other requirements.
• Applicants might come from non-profit organizations, public schools, or private schools.
• To operate legally, non-profit organizations and private schools in the United States must be designated by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) organizations.

4) National Endowment For The Arts 

The National Endowment for the Arts (often known as the NEA) is an autonomous body within the United States federal government that provides support and money to initiatives demonstrating creative excellence.

It was established in 1965 as an autonomous department of the federal government due to an act passed by the United States Congress and given to President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 29, 1965, to be signed into law (20 USC 951).

This organization, together with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Federal Council on the Humanities and the Anthropology, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is a sub-agency of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.

The headquarters of the NEA is located in Washington, District of Columbia. Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre was bestowed upon it in 1995, and the Special Tony Award was presented to it in 2016.

The National Endowment for the Arts was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 1985 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in recognition of their collaboration with the American Film Institute in locating, purchasing, restoring, and preserving historical films.

The Television Academy recognized the National Endowment for the Arts with Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series category in 2016 and 2017.

Eligibility for National Endowment For The Arts

The following individuals are eligible to apply:

• US organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3);
• units of state or local government; or.
• Native American communities or tribes that have received federal recognition.

5) Associated Chamber Music Players Grant 

The mission of the ACMP Foundation is to encourage players of all ages and ability levels worldwide to play chamber music for pleasure by providing financial support through grants.

Since its inception in 1993, the ACMP Foundation has distributed more than three thousand awards, with a combined value of more than four million dollars. These grants have been given to continuing programs and special projects promoting participatory chamber music activities worldwide.

The recipients of grants awarded by the ACMP include individuals, ensembles, regional and national institutions, charitable organizations, and presenters of workshops. The ACMP Foundation does not mandate that beneficiary organizations have a non-profit or charitable status (501c3 in the US).

The ACMP aims to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds across the globe to play chamber music for their enjoyment.

To accomplish this goal, the ACMP financially sponsors seminars and community music programs that allow amateur musicians to participate in chamber music actively.

The American Chamber Music Partners (ACMP), the only organization in the world to offer grant programs for amateur chamber music, takes great pride in its support of programs that rekindle the pure joy of music and emphasize training for chamber music without any professional aspirations.

The winners of grants come from a wide variety of organizing backgrounds, ranging from “mom and pop” adult amateur class coordinators and directors of children’s chamber music camps to program administrators for chamber music at large universities.

The term “chamber music” refers to a type of musical performance involving a small ensemble playing or singing together without using a conductor.

Eligibility for Associated Chamber Music Players Grant

• Applicants can come from any country to compete for grants.
• It is NOT necessary to have charitable or non-profit status.
• The ACMP does not provide financial support for workshops or classes for working musicians, college students majoring in music, or music conservatories.
• The online application form is the only acceptable method for submitting applications.
• The application must be written legibly and submitted in English.
• You should describe all training in your grant proposal, and your budget form should reflect the expenses and income of all four similar programs. For example, if you are giving four Saturday afternoon chamber music sessions in one year, your project is a series of four pieces of training; you should pertain for all of them within ONE grant application form.
• Applicants seeking support for multiple workshops similar to one another within the next year should apply for all of them within ONE grant application form.
• Similarly, if you direct two separate summer camps for children that focus on chamber music, please apply to both camps together as a single set of activities.
• Please submit two separate applications if you wish to receive funding for two very distinct programs, such as one workshop that lasts for a short period and another that lasts for an entire year in the community or one program that is designed specifically for adult amateurs and another that is designed specifically for children. Applicants in this predicament are permitted to submit a maximum of two applications for each round of grant funding.
• All community music programs and workshops must take place after the application deadline, with a few exceptions for events of longer duration that begin before the deadline but continue past it.
• The ACMP Budget Form requires applicants to provide a project budget to be considered. The application story must be appropriately reflected in the budget, and the budget itself must be expressed in United States dollars.

6) Kids In Need Foundation

The Kids In Need Foundation is a national non-profit organization that was founded in 1995 with the mission of providing free school supplies to economically disadvantaged students and teachers in the United States.

The foundation operates a network of resource centers, which distribute free school supplies to students and teachers in communities across the country. The Kids In Need Foundation provides support in a variety of ways, including:

• Resource Centers: The foundation operates a network of resource centers, which provide free school supplies to students and teachers in need.
• Teacher Grants: The foundation provides grants to teachers to support their classrooms and help them provide a better learning environment for their students.
• National Teacher of the Year Program: The foundation provides support and recognition to teachers who have been selected as the National Teacher of the Year.
• Disaster Relief: The foundation provides support to schools and communities affected by natural disasters by providing them with free school supplies and other resources.

The Kids In Need Foundation is open to economically disadvantaged students and teachers in the United States. The foundation provides support to schools and communities based on need, and it uses a variety of criteria to determine which schools and communities are in the greatest need of support.

For more information on the Kids In Need Foundation and its programs, interested parties can visit the foundation’s website or contact the foundation directly.

Eligibility Criteria For Kids In Need Foundation

The Kids In Need Foundation provides support to economically disadvantaged students and teachers in the United States. To be eligible for support from the foundation, students and teachers must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Students and teachers must reside in the United States.
• Financial Need: Students and teachers must come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate a need for free school supplies.
• School Affiliation: Students and teachers must be affiliated with a public or private school in the United States.
• Age: Students must be between the ages of 5 and 18 and enrolled in K-12 education.
• Teacher Certification: Teachers must be certified and employed by a public or private school in the United States.

The Kids In Need Foundation provides support to schools and communities based on need, and it uses a variety of criteria to determine which schools and communities are in the greatest need of support. These criteria may include poverty rates, school enrollment, and the availability of school supplies in the community.

Music grants for elementary schools

Schools and other education settings can apply for grants from the ACMP. Schools can apply for funding for programs that engage amateur musicians of all ages and backgrounds in performing chamber music.

To be eligible for funding, schools must offer their programs free. However, schools may request a modest suggested donation to cover the cost of such basic expenses as performance space rental or instrument purchase from music instrument grants for individuals.

1) The Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives grant  

ACM provides a grant to help develop and implement music programs in schools and individual projects that enhance the quality of country music education. ACM believes that developing country music education is a vital part of American musical history and works to help ensure that all people can experience a rich musical heritage.

ACM’s Lifting Lives grant provides funds to assist with travel expenses for professional musicians who provide services in music education for individuals and special projects.

To qualify, applicants must apply to ACM’s website!

Eligibility for The Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives grant

• The Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives grant is awarded to schools, programs, and individuals that provide music education in a school environment.
• If a school or program accepts the award, they must provide the level of music education for which the award was intended. A unique consideration includes an eligible applicant who may be applying for multiple grants from ACM.
• “For each application, all project expenditures must be made from one fund.
• If you have worked in the country music industry for at least two years and are employed there or have done so in the recent past.
• And demonstrates the ability to do the following:
• You found yourself in an unexpected and unanticipated emergency, which strained your finances.
• Because of your current financial situation, you cannot pay for these services.

2) BMI Foundation Grant 

Most of the funding for the Foundation comes from songwriters, composers, and publishers affiliated with BMI, as well as from employees of BMI and members of the general public who have a particular interest in music.

Many benefactors have decided to support the Foundation in the belief that it is important for them to “give back” to the music industry, which they view as having been kind to them.

Over 91% of the Foundation’s total donations and investment income are available for distribution to charitable organizations. This is possible since the Foundation’s personnel and prominent artistic advisors serve without charge. Donations to the Foundation qualify for a tax deduction to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.

The Foundation is responsible for administering several different scholarship contests, grants, fellowships, and commissions throughout the year.

The responsibility of making the final decisions on the participants in these programs is given to panels comprising some of the world’s most renowned musicians and artists who donate their time and expertise.

The study of American music is the primary focus of these programs; however, several other alternatives are available to students from other countries.

Additionally, the Foundation presents Grants for elementary music programs annually to philanthropic organizations in music and the arts throughout the United States.

These awards can range from the support of classical music groups specializing in contemporary works to performing arts programs for inner-city youth to programs that aim to preserve and proceed with indigenous American music, such as jazz and blues.

These awards are reviewed and recommended by the artistic advisors of the Foundation. The BMI Foundation is a charitable organization that is geared towards the support of music education for children.

Most of the Foundation’s resources are raised from the philanthropic contributions made by songwriters, composers, and publishers affiliated with BMI, as well as from BMI employees and members of the general public who have a particular interest in music. Several other philanthropic organizations also provide for these efforts on an annual basis.

Eligibility for BMI Foundation Grant

To be eligible for funding from the BMI Foundation,

• An applicant must have been a resident of the United States for at least two years before making the application.
• The applicant must also be at least 16 or older.
• A composer, writer, or arranger can be eligible for this award if they are under contract with BMI or have already used their services on one of the BMI Broadcast Services platforms.
• Additionally, they must be able to demonstrate some “financial need” to qualify for consideration.

3) Fender Music Foundation Grant 

The Fender Play Foundation is a public charity established in September 2019 and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization. Its sole mission is to increase access to music education by implementing creative and long-term programs that put musical instruments and teaching aids directly into the hands of students and teachers.

The Fender Play Foundation’s vision is to provide a world where music has been integrated into the curriculum of all schools.

The Fender Play Foundation partners with charitable organizations and educational institutions to help students access musical instruments and materials. Through these collaborative relationships, Fender Play can ensure that students have the best musical opportunities, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

The Foundation’s first step toward granting is to seek applicants recommended by a school district or district-level organization. These recommendations should come from the school districts of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Eligibility for Fender Music Foundation Grant

• Participants need to acquire musical skills for the activity to be considered music instrument grants for individuals
• Participants of any age are welcome to take part.
• However, programs that teach music appreciation or provide musical entertainment do not qualify, nor may the participants be working musicians or musicians with careers.

Additionally, Fender Play will not be granting any funding to individuals who:

• may engage in offensive or hateful speech or activities;
• Have admitted their policies are discriminatory;
• Have been convicted of a felony that involved violence;
• have been convicted of committing fraud, embezzlement, or other acts of dishonesty;
• Deny the Holocaust;
• Support organizations that do not support the LGBTQ+ community (or other groups for which Fender Play has a clear policy)

4) Mockingbird Foundation 

The Mockingbird Foundation is a non-profit organization that was created to provide financial support to other charitable organizations and projects. Currently, the Foundation operates under a mission statement geared toward promoting arts and music education in schools.

The Mockingbird Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1996 by fans of the jam band Phish. It was formally organized the following year to provide financial assistance to schools that teach young people how to play music.

Unconventional in its organizational design, it is virtually entirely conducted online, which enables a greater proportion of the revenue to be donated on a one-to-one basis to charitable organizations.

Among the projects currently being worked on are the development of the Phish tribute album Sharin’ in the Groove and the publication of The Phish Companion.

As of August 2021, the Foundation had already made more than 510 disbursements (in the form of grants and other awards) totaling more than $1,960,000; more than 70,000 copies of The Phish Companion had been sold, and more than 25,000 copies of Sharin’ in the Groove had been purchased.

In 2004, the band Phish gave the Mockingbird Foundation one hundred percent of the earnings from the sale of their Livephish download service, which marked the official recognition of the charity by Phish.

Eligibility for Mockingbird Foundation

• The Mockingbird Foundation has officially included as an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1997.
• The following year, the Foundation established a board of directors consisting of founders and longtime supporters of Phish.
• Mockingbird is not an organization that awards grants on an annual basis but rather one that accepts applications when they are available.
• Currently, the Foundation has yet to release any information about future grant opportunities for musicians or educators; this article will be updated with any such news that becomes available.

5) Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program 

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educators Program is a grant awarded by the National Science Foundation to encourage efforts in science education.

It has recently received an additional funding increase, enabling it to continue for another three years. Accomplished K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) interested in serving in the national education arena can apply for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program.

Fellows commit eleven months of their time to work in federal agencies or in the offices of members of Congress, where they contribute their substantial knowledge and classroom experiences to the development of national education programs and education policy initiatives.

After the Fellowship, participants will have access to a national network of education leaders and programs, a deeper comprehension of the obstacles and opportunities present in STEM education, and a rekindled passion for teaching, putting them in a position to make significant contributions to the educational community.

The following government departments and agencies are currently participating as sponsors: the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Library of Congress (LOC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Department of Energy will pay for up to five intern positions in Congressional offices.

The Department of Education is tasked with managing the program due to the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act, passed into law in November 1994 and given the official title of Public Law 103-382, Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994.

This program is managed by the Department of Energy (DOE) by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in the Office of Science. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and other partners manage this program.

Among the many notable contributions made by former AEF Program Fellows are the following:

• Developing novel components for national education programs in STEM fields;
• putting into action important aspects of the nation’s educational initiatives in the STEM fields;
• Establishing new working relationships and alliances between several federal agencies;
• drafting laws and providing advice on policies to enhance education from kindergarten through high school in the United States;
• Developing educational tools for science that are hosted on the web;
• Collaborate with other government agencies to further advance diversity, equity, and inclusion policies throughout the Federal Government; and
• Developing and analyzing national and regional programs based on improving educational practices and training educators in STEM fields.

Eligibility for Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program

• Citizen of the United States at the time of application
• Before submitting your application, you must have a minimum of five years’ worth of experience teaching full-time in a classroom setting. The time spent doing student teaching does not count toward this minimum criterion for full-time teaching.
• Have at least five of the past seven years of experience working as a full-time educator in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in a public or private elementary or secondary school setting. Your current job can be as a teacher or an administrator for the school district.
• Be a full-time employee at an elementary or secondary school or school district in the United States, publicly or privately funded.
• Be able to offer one of their needed three letters of recommendation in the form of a letter of recommendation written by an official working for the school system.
• Have the ability to secure a leave of absence from teaching to participate in the program for the full eleven months offered.

Technology grants for elementary schools

Music grants are one of the most popular ways technology-conscious schools can support the arts and enrich curricula. Indeed, these programs provide quality music lessons to participants, give the school access to state-of-the-art equipment, and allow students’ participation in community performances, which reinforces a sense of self-worth.

Technology Grants for elementary music programs have been around for over thirty years, and some Grants for elementary music programs are specifically intended for technology-focused schools. However, funds to purchase music equipment or sponsor community concerts are often unavailable or have a longer period to apply for funding.

Similarly to many non-profit organizations that operate yearly fundraising campaigns on Facebook, the Musical Arts & Technology (M.A.T.) campaign was envisioned in 2009 as a means of helping elementary school bands and choirs raise money to fulfill their music needs.

Elementary schools can apply for various technology Grants for elementary music programs from private organizations, foundations, and government agencies.

It’s best to check with each organization for their specific eligibility requirements, the application process, and deadlines.

1) D’Addario Foundation 

Walk through many decades of outreach and involvement to see how the scope of the D’Addario Foundation’s efforts has grown, along with its commitment to its growing artist community and advocates. The D’Addario Foundation started as a small organization, but it has since grown to have a truly humbling global impact.

Janet D’Addario, who was also one of the foundation’s co-founders and worked as its managing director for more than 20 years, played an essential role in determining the organization’s mission and directing its attention to promoting musical education in marginalized communities. Every action made by the foundation, both in the past and future, will continue to be taken in the same spirit of selflessness and leadership that she exemplified.

Through their Debuts and Premieres Series, the D’Addario Foundation helps launch some of the most promising young musicians or guitarists’ careers by allowing them to perform in front of an audience. In its first two years, this program has helped launch the careers of many talented students by providing them with this chance to make a name for themselves.

Eligibility Criteria for D’Addario Foundation

The eligibility criteria for the D’Addario Foundation grant program include the following:

• Applicants must be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
• Applicants must have a music education or music therapy program as a primary focus.
• Applicants must serve youth (under the age of 18) in underserved communities.
• Programs must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• The grant program does not provide funding for individual musicians, scholarships, or religious organizations.
• The grant program does not provide funding for political campaigns or organizations that engage in political lobbying.

It’s recommended to review the foundation’s website and guidelines for the most up-to-date information on their eligibility criteria.

2) The NAMM Foundation 

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation provides Grants for elementary music programs to support music education programs, including technology-based programs for elementary schools.

The NAMM Foundation is one of the well-known music education grants for nonprofits organizations established by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) in order to promote and support music education and research.

The foundation provides funding and resources to support music education programs and initiatives, as well as research studies focused on the benefits of music education and music therapy.

The NAMM Foundation works to increase public awareness of the importance of music education and to support policies and programs that help ensure that all children have access to quality music education.

Eligibility Criteria for The NAMM Foundation

• The eligibility criteria for funding from The NAMM Foundation vary depending on the specific funding program or initiative.
• However, in general, the foundation provides support to organizations and initiatives that align with its mission to promote and support music education and research.
• This includes, but is not limited to, schools, community music programs, music therapy organizations, and research institutions.
• To be considered for funding, organizations must typically submit a proposal or application that details their programs, initiatives, and goals, and demonstrates how they align with the mission of the NAMM Foundation.
• Additionally, organizations may be required to provide financial information and other documentation to demonstrate their capacity to carry out their proposed programs and initiatives.

3) Little Kids Rock 

Little Kids Rock is an organization that offers music instrument grants for individuals, lessons, and technology to under-resourced schools. They offer technology grants for elementary schools to help bring modern music technology into the classroom.

Little Kids Rock is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming children’s lives by providing music education opportunities in under-resourced public schools.

The organization partners with public schools across the United States to provide music teachers, instruments, and resources needed to implement its innovative Modern Band curriculum. Little Kids Rock’s curriculum focuses on popular music styles like rock, hip-hop, and R&B, and is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all students, regardless of their prior musical experience.

• By providing access to music education, Little Kids Rock aims to help students develop a lifelong love of music and build important life skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and self-expression.
• Understanding that intellectual capacity is a natural and vital entrance point for developing literacy and creativity of all types is at the heart of the Little Kids Rock vision. This idea is at the center of the organization’s mission. It is possible to address and support a broad range of fluencies through the medium of music teaching; despite this, music curricula are frequently the first things to be eliminated in underprivileged schools across the United States.
• Little Kids Rock is one of the music education grants for nonprofits organization that works to restore and revitalize music education in K-12 public schools that are struggling by offering an engaging and relevant music program, free instruments, instruction, and mentor training. This organization capitalizes on the appeal of r&b, blues, and popular music.
• In addition to activities that are offered in schools, Little Kids Rock provides a user-friendly website for young people where they can access online music lessons, educational games, and downloadable content. ITunesU is a free educational portal provided by Apple.

It is the belief of Little Kids Rock that learning to play a musical instrument can be a life-changing experience for pupils, with the potential to spark the student’s creativity and instill the self-confidence that is necessary for success in both the classroom and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria for Little Kids Rock

• The eligibility criteria for schools to participate in Little Kids Rock’s music education program vary, but generally, the organization partners with public schools serving low-income communities where access to music education is limited.
• Schools interested in participating in the program typically need to demonstrate a commitment to music education and a need for Little Kids Rock’s resources and support.
• To apply, schools may need to provide information about their student population, music education program, and funding situation, among other things. Schools that are accepted into the program receive comprehensive support, including access to Little Kids Rock’s Modern Band curriculum, training and support for music teachers, and instruments and other resources needed to implement the program.

4) DonorsChoose 

DonorsChoose is a crowd-funding platform that allows teachers to request funding for classroom projects, including technology-based music programs.

DonorsChoose is one of the music education grants for nonprofits organizations that allows individuals to support public school classrooms in need. It was founded in 2000 with the goal of making it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need, anywhere in the country.

Through its website, teachers from public schools across the United States post requests for funding of specific educational resources and experiences, such as books, technology, field trips, and more. Donors can then choose to support a specific project by making a donation, which is directed to the requested resources. Once a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose works with the supplier to ship the materials directly to the classroom.

DonorsChoose operates as a platform to facilitate donations, and it aims to provide a simple, transparent, and accountable way for people to support public schools.

The organization is open to any public school teacher in the United States and operates on a “give what you want” model, with donors able to choose how much they would like to give. DonorsChoose has supported over 1.8 million classroom projects, impacting over 35 million students.

Eligibility for DonorsChoose

• Eligibility for posting a classroom project on DonorsChoose is restricted to public school teachers in the United States.
• To be eligible, teachers must be employed at a public school, work with students on a daily basis, and teach a subject in an academic or special education setting. The organization verifies the teacher’s employment and eligibility through an online process.
• DonorsChoose also has eligibility requirements for the projects posted on its platform. Projects must align with its mission to support public schools and enhance student learning experiences. Projects must also be educational in nature and not support political or religious activities, fundraisers, or purchase items that are prohibited by law or the organization’s guidelines.
• Additionally, the materials requested must be directly related to the educational experience of the students and not used for personal benefit or resale.
• Once a project is posted, it is subject to review by DonorsChoose to ensure that it meets its eligibility criteria. If a project is approved, it will be made available for public funding. Once a project is fully funded, the teacher will receive the requested resources and supplies to support their classroom.

5) Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation 

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation provides instruments and technology to under-resourced schools and music programs, including elementary schools.

The foundation was founded in 1996 with the goal of helping to ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to music education. The foundation provides new and gently-used musical instruments to schools and music programs that are unable to afford them, and also provides music education programs and support for teachers and students.

The foundation’s program, Music for Schools, works by accepting donations of musical instruments from individuals, businesses, and other organizations, and then distributing them to schools and music programs in need.

The foundation also provides resources, training, and support to help ensure that the instruments are effectively integrated into music education programs and used to their full potential.

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation is open to public and music grants for private schools, as well as after-school programs and community organizations, that provide music education opportunities for children in the United States. To apply for instruments, interested schools and organizations must submit a detailed application that demonstrates their need and commitment to music education.

The foundation considers factors such as the size and demographics of the student population, the availability of music education resources, and the availability of funding for music education programs when reviewing applications.

Eligibility for Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation

The eligibility criteria for schools and organizations to receive instruments from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation are as follows:

• Type of organization: The foundation provides instruments to public and private schools, as well as after-school programs and community organizations, that provide music education opportunities for children in the United States.
• Location: The organization must be located in the United States.
• Music education program: The organization must have a music education program in place, or be in the process of developing one, that provides opportunities for children to learn and participate in music.
• Financial need: The organization must demonstrate a financial need for musical instruments and show that it is unable to afford to purchase the instruments on its own.
• Commitment to music education: The organization must demonstrate a commitment to music education and a willingness to integrate the instruments into its music education program.

To apply for instruments, interested schools and organizations must complete an online application form and provide information about their organization, music education program, and financial need.

The foundation reviews each application and considers factors such as the size and demographics of the student population, the availability of music education resources, and the availability of funding for music education programs when deciding which organizations to support.

If an organization is selected, it will receive the instruments and support needed to implement its music education program and provide students with access to music education opportunities.

6) The Grammy Foundation

The Grammy Foundation provides Grants for elementary music programs to support music education programs, including technology-based programs for elementary schools.

The GRAMMY Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 1988 by The Recording Academy to support music education and preserve the legacy of recorded music. The foundation aims to cultivate the understanding, appreciation, and advancement of recorded music through various programs and initiatives.

Some of the programs and initiatives run by the GRAMMY Foundation include:

• GRAMMY in the Schools: This program provides music education opportunities to high school students and provides access to music industry professionals.
• GRAMMY Camp: This is a summer music industry program for high school students that provides hands-on experiences in various aspects of the music industry, including recording, producing, and performing.
• GRAMMY Museum: The GRAMMY Museum is a museum in Los Angeles dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of recorded music and the impact it has had on culture and society.
• GRAMMY Signature Schools: This program recognizes and celebrates high school music programs for their outstanding commitment to music education and provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments and equipment.
• GRAMMY SoundTables: This program provides opportunities for K-12 students to participate in interactive music education events that explore the science, technology, and art of recorded music.

The GRAMMY Foundation is open to individuals, organizations, and institutions that are dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of recorded music and supporting music education.

The foundation provides funding and support for various programs and initiatives, and it also offers grants, scholarships, and awards to individuals, schools, and organizations that are working to advance music education and the study of recorded music.

Eligibility Criteria For The Grammy Foundation

The eligibility criteria for the various programs and initiatives run by the GRAMMY Foundation may vary. However, in general, the foundation is open to individuals, organizations, and institutions that are dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of recorded music and supporting music education.

Some specific eligibility criteria for the GRAMMY Foundation’s programs include:

• GRAMMY in the Schools: This program is open to high school students in the United States.
• GRAMMY Camp: This program is open to high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 who are interested in pursuing careers in the music industry.
• GRAMMY Signature Schools: This program is open to public and music grants for private schools in the United States.
• GRAMMY SoundTables: This program is open to K-12 students in the United States.

The GRAMMY Foundation also offers grants, scholarships, and awards to individuals, schools, and organizations that are working to advance music education and the study of recorded music.

The eligibility criteria for these grants and awards vary, but they typically require that the recipient be a current student, teacher, or music educator, or that the organization has a demonstrated commitment to music education.

It’s important to note that eligibility criteria for the GRAMMY Foundation’s programs may change over time and that the foundation reserves the right to make changes to its programs and initiatives as needed. For the most up-to-date information on eligibility criteria, interested parties should consult the GRAMMY Foundation’s website or contact the foundation directly.

Conclusion:

Music grants are an important way to encourage music education and to ensure that children have access to music education opportunities. If you are interested in applying for a music grant or scholarship, be sure to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria, and if not, consider working with your school or organization to make it qualify.

Elementary schools in the United States are increasingly facing budget challenges, and many do not have enough money to purchase or maintain music instrument grants for schools or to implement music education programs. These foundations in this article provide grants, scholarships, and awards to individuals and organizations that are working to advance music education at the elementary school level in an effort to encourage music education efforts throughout the country.

If you are interested in applying for a music grant or scholarship, there are some general steps you can take to make sure your project qualifies for funding. First, determine the eligibility criteria for each grant program and ensure that you meet the criteria before applying. Next, check whether a nonprofit organization has similar funding opportunities to yours. If not, consider getting out of the grant application process altogether or working with a school or organization to make it qualify.