Learn about grants for music by exploring our curated list of top music funders below. Members can also research funding opportunities using the search tool for GrantFinder. Become a member.
Music Funding Trends
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) found that in 2017, 43.4% of U.S. adults, or 106.8 million people, attended at least one of 10 defined performing arts activities. The highest percentage of respondents attended an “outdoor performing arts festival” (24.2%), followed by “musical plays” (16.5%).
“Classical music” and “jazz music” were tied for the fifth most popular activity (8%), followed by “Latin, Spanish, or salsa music” (5.9%). Only 2.2% of respondents attended an “opera” event, making it the least popular activity on the NEA’s list. (The NEA did make a distinction between for-profit and nonprofit performances.)
Although it’s one of the least-popular areas of music, opera companies received roughly half of revenues from “private support.” The figure is slightly lower, at 43% for orchestras. Individual donors play an outsized role across the sector, while support from institutional and donor-advised funds exceeds that of dance and theater.
Music funders often report supporting nonprofit music fields like opera and classical music to preserve, enhance and promote them for the future.
Across the field, private and family foundations play an especially influential role in the world of music, with a focus on capital projects, programs and performances, generally providing relatively less direct support for individual artists. Corporate funders play a relatively small role, though often in the form of sponsorships. The music grantmaking sector enjoys a robust network of groups that provide funders and fundraisers with networking, advocacy and data gathering. Regrantors play a prominent role.
Foundations for Music Grants
3M FOUNDATION
The 3M Foundation’s music grantmaking mainly supports organizations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
AEGON TRANSAMERICA FOUNDATION
The Aegon Transamerica Foundation tends to award music-related grants that support general operating costs rather than specific projects.
HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION
While the primary focus of grantmaking is jazz, the foundation also awards grants to support mid-career artists working within the music industry.
AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY
AAS funds fellowships that improve the American people’s understanding of pre-twentieth century history.
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL
Ameriprise Financial’s music grants focus on performance and education in areas where its parent company maintains operations.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation supports music education programs, focusing on jazz education with broad impact. It also provided relief to musicians during the COVID-19 crisis.
AMON G. CARTER FOUNDATION
This funder supports music in Tarrant County, Texas, which includes Fort Worth.
ASSOCIATION FOR PERFORMING ARTS PROFESSIONALS
The Association of Performing Arts Professionals supports individuals and organizations through its signature grant and professional development programs.
ASTRAEA LESBIAN FOUNDATION FOR JUSTICE
Astraea funds supports projects that “focus on social and racial justice as it relates to LGBTQI communities.”
AYRSHIRE FOUNDATION
Ayrshire's music grants are awarded through its Community Culture program and focus on the greater Pasadena area in California.
FRANK AND LYDIA BERGEN FOUNDATION
This foundation focuses exclusively on music education programs. It prioritizes organizations located in New York and New Jersey, but it does not strictly limit its grantmaking to those two states.
BEST BUY FOUNDATION
The philanthropic arm of the consumer electronics retail giant funds hands-on educational programs that build technology skills among teens age 13 to 18. Music and audio production area areas of focus.
BLOSSOM FUND
Predominately in the Boston area, the Blossom Fund supports programs that promote “active participation in musical activities that foster community-based live musical performances.”
BLUES FOUNDATION
The Blues Foundation supports music and arts education around its home base of Memphis, Tennessee and throughout the world.
BMI FOUNDATION
BMI awards annual grants to nonprofit music and music education organizations. Interests include “classical music groups specializing in contemporary works," and organizations working toward the preservation of American forms like jazz and blues.
BNSF RAILWAY FOUNDATION
BNSF funds local and regional orchestras and symphonies in communities served by its parent railway company.
BOGLIASCO FOUNDATION
The Bogliasco Foundation, near Genoa, provides short residencies to scholars and creative artists from all over the world.
BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION
The Bohemian Foundation’s music grants emphasize events, festivals and music education.
WILLIAM K. BOWES FOUNDATION
Bowes is a significant supporter of music and music education in the San Francisco Bay Area.
THE BROWN FOUNDATION
The Brown Foundation prioritizes supports both large and small arts organizations in Texas, but conducts some work across the United States.
CINTAS FOUNDATION
The Cintas foundation prioritizes artists with Cuban citizenship or a Cuban parent or grandparent. Its funding areas include architecture and design, music composition, the visual arts and writing.
CHAMBER MUSIC AMERICA
Chamber Music America prioritizes ensemble music professionals and funds a grants program that supports composition and incentivizes new connections between musicians and presenters.
COLBURN FOUNDATION
Endowed by the late Richard D. Colburn, the Colburn Foundation supports classical music performance and education, working mainly in Southern California.
AARON COPLAND FUND FOR MUSIC
The Aaron Copland Fund for Music runs three grant programs for the purpose of encouraging and improving public knowledge and appreciation of contemporary music by living or recently deceased American composers.
CMS FUND
The CMS Fund is a branch of the College Music Society, a consortium of musicians, conservators and academics dedicated to promoting music research, education, creation and outreach. It supports students and educators, mostly for projects focused on instruction or community engagement.
CRANKSTART FOUNDATION
The Crankstart Foundation broadly supports music organizations across the United States. It has a history of supporting symphonies and music education.
DELMAS FOUNDATION
Music grants are mainly limited to New York City organizations and focus on classical music and landmark venues.
DELUXE CORPORATION FOUNDATION
The Deluxe Corporation Foundation awards grants to music organizations in areas of the country in which it has an operational and employee presence.
DORIS DUKE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Awarding grants to both singers and musicians, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation is one of the largest arts grantmakers in the U.S. An important note—the foundation does have a deep and abiding love for jazz music, like Ms. Duke herself.
DORSEY & WHITNEY FOUNDATION
This law firm funder supports arts organizations, including music programs, in the many areas where the firm has locations. It also has an open application process.
MAX AND VICTORIA DREYFUS FOUNDATION
The foundation was created upon the death of famed music publisher Max Dreyfus, who worked with American greats like George Gershwin and Cole Porter. It provides smaller grants that can make a big difference.
EARLY MUSIC AMERICA
Early Music America is an organization dedicated to the study, performance, and appreciation of early music. It provides access to awards and scholarships in order to increase awareness of and grow the audience for early forms of music.
ECOLAB FOUNDATION
Ecolab is committed to supporting the communities in which it has a corporate presence. Its foundation sees performing arts, including music, as an important component of its community involvement.
EUCALYPTUS FOUNDATION
The Eucalyptus Foundation makes grants for K-12 education, the arts, music, human rights and global security, most often in California.
FENDER PLAY FOUNDATION
The Fender Play Foundation supports music education programs nationally by providing resources and instruments for those in need and by advocating for the benefits of music education. Grants are awarded to schools, local music programs, and national music programs across the country.
FIDELITY FOUNDATION
This corporate foundation makes arts and culture, including music, a primary focus of its philanthropic pursuits. It takes a rigorous business model approach to its arts funding, supporting programs and organizations with broad community impact.
FIRSTENERGY FOUNDATION
If you’re operating in a community that receives FirstEnergy services (and it’s a healthy list), the FirstEnergy Foundation is an avid supporter of music organizations and programming.
FORD FOUNDATION
Music is not one of Ford’s main giving areas, but it does support arts programs that strengthen underrepresented and marginalized peoples.
FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
The FCA’s Grants for Artists program supports with unrestricted grants of $40,000. Nominees are evaluated on the “merit and imaginativeness of their work.” This is a good resource for artists that may be considered controversial by other funders.
PHILIP AND IRENE TOLL GAGE FOUNDATION
The Philip and Irene Toll Gage Foundation’s music related grants tend to support organizations in the U.K.
DAVID GEFFEN FOUNDATION
With deep roots in the music industry, the David Geffen Foundation supports small and large music organizations across the United States.
GEORGIA-PACIFIC FOUNDATION
Philanthropic arm of the large paper manufacturer makes music-related grants through its community enrichment program. All giving funds general operating support.
HORACE W. GOLDSMITH FOUNDATION
The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation broadly supports both large and small music organizations focusing on New York City and Philadelphia.
GILDER FOUNDATION
The Gilder Foundation maintains and interest in classical music. Many of its grantees are located in New York City.
JOHN SIMON GUGGENHEIM MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
One of the most prestigious awards in its field, the Guggenheim Fellowship is considered a mid-career award for those who are well established in their area of expertise. Music fellowships support composition, research, ethnomusicology and sound art.
THE YIP HARBURG FOUNDATION
The Yip Harburg Foundation makes grants to support musical theater with “a socially responsible message.”
HEARST FOUNDATIONS
This funder's focus on culture includes a substantial commitment to music. Support emphasizes artist development and outreach into underserved communities. This funder tends to support only well-established arts organizations.
CLARENCE E. HELLER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The Heller foundation's music grantmaking go to symphonic and chamber music programs. Grants go nationwide, but preference is given to California-based groups.
MR. HOLLAND’S OPUS FOUNDATION
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation makes donations of both new and refurbished instruments to under-funded music programs in school districts across the country. It also partners with school districts in a commitment to help keep these music programs robust and viable for the long term.
CHARLES EVANS HUGHES MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
The Charles Evans Hughes Memorial Foundation supports ““programs dedicated to preserving and expanding what is unique and best in American arts and culture.”
JAPAN-UNITED STATES FRIENDSHIP COMMISSION
This funder is an independent federal government agency that supports music projects that highlight the cultural, educational, and intellectual exchange between the United States and Japan.
JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK
The Jazz Education Network invests in jazz arts through education, performance promotion and developing new audiences. It does this in part by providing scholarships, making grants and hosting music festivals.
JUBILATION FOUNDATION
Jubilation funds individuals and organizations that help young people express themselves through music and dance.
KOVNER FOUNDATION
Founded in 1986, the Kovner Foundation is run by billionaire Bruce Kovner and his wife Suzie. The couple is passionate about music and has prioritized New York music institutions for years.
KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Knight gives special consideration to 26 cities in the United States, but it makes national grants, as well.
KRESGE FOUNDATION
The Kresge Foundation prioritizes funding for organizations based in or that benefit the greater Detroit area. However, it does makes grants beyond Michigan. This funder incorporates integrates arts into its community development and urban planning work.
L4OA CHARITIES
Honoring the legacy of Prince, LFOA grants focus on music and arts education in K-12 schools.
LINDEMANN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The Lindemann Charitable Foundation II.’s grantmaking includes support for opera institutions across the country.
REVA AND DAVID LOGAN FOUNDATION
The Reva and David Logan Foundation’s music grants prioritize the Chicago area.
MACY'S
Some of Macy's giving for arts, including music, happens through the foundation, but much more is funded directly by the corporation.
MAURER FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Maurer Family Foundation provides financial assistance to organizations and institutions whose goal is to enrich their communities through programs of cultural value.
ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION
A major funder for the performing arts, Mellon supports music and music education, focusing on the power of the arts to challenge, activate, and nourish the human spirit.”
MID-AMERICA ARTS ALLIANCE
This funder makes grants to individual artists and arts organizations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
MILKEN FAMILY FOUNDATION
Milken’s music grantmaking focuses narrowly on music of the “American Jewish experience.”
MUSIC DRIVES US
Music Drives Us supports music performance, education and therapy in the Northeast.
NAMM FOUNDATION
The NAMM Foundation makes grants to help promote and strengthen the music products industry. It hosts the popular trade convention, NAMM Show.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
NEA is an iconic and independent government organization that funds art projects that celebrate American musical excellence.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES
NEH is an independent government organization that funds projects to promote research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities.
NEW MUSIC USA
New Music USA supports composers, ensembles, live music and much more.
NORDSON FOUNDATION
The Nordson Foundation supports music performance and education as part of its broader arts grantmaking in regions where it has a corporate presence.
OPEN MEADOWS FOUNDATION
Open Meadows supports women-led projects in the performing and visual arts that promote diversity, community building and women’s empowerment.
OPERA FOUNDATION
The Opera Foundation supports young American opera singers by sending them to study with select European opera companies.
PAUL R. JUDY CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research supports projects and research that expand the understanding and audience for symphony orchestra and chamber music.
PEW CENTER FOR ARTS AND HERITAGE
The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage awards grants exclusively to organizations and individuals in the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region. It supports artists and organizations with ambitious, imaginative projects.
PRN ALUMNI FOUNDATION
The PRN Alumni Foundation is an organization created by former employees of the musician Prince. This funder makes grants for music, arts, technology and other educational programs for underprivileged youth.
PRUDENTIAL FOUNDATION
The Prudential Foundation awards its music grants through its arts and civic infrastructure program. This funder prioritizes the state of New Jersey, but gives elsewhere as well.
PUFFIN FOUNDATION
The Puffin Foundation makes grants across a wide range of musical styles and events. It focuses its giving on “artists and arts organizations “who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities.”
ROCHE
Roche awards grants to organizations that encourage interactions with contemporary music and art. This funder gives internationally.
HOWARD AND SARAH D. SOLOMON FOUNDATION
The Howard and Sarah D. Solomon Foundation’s music grants primarily fund classical music. New York is a geographic priority.
SPARKPLUG FOUNDATION
Sparkplug’s music giving focuses on “the critical importance of music in bringing communities together and building collective creativity.”
SPREADMUSICNOW
SpreadMusicNow Spread Music Now makes grants for music education with a strong focus on access. Connecticut is a geographic priority.
FLORA L. THORNTON FOUNDATION
The Flora L. Thornton Foundation typically funds music and music education focusing on organizations in Southern California.
UNION PACIFIC FOUNDATION
This funder supports a broad range of performing arts organizations in regions of the U.S. served by its parent railway company.
UNITED STATES ARTISTS
United States Artists gives unrestricted $50,000 grants directly to creative artists each year. Support for music is a significant part of this giving, but competition is stiff.
U.S. BANCORP FOUNDATION
This is a significant grantor of music organizations in the 25 states where Bancorp operates. It gives grants through its arts and culture program, viewing this support in a larger context of community development and uplift.
KURT WEILL FOUNDATION FOR MUSIC
Supports performance, scholarship and professional development related to the work and lives of Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya and Marc Blitzstein.
WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION
The foundation supports local music initatives in 44 states.
WESTERN STATES ARTS FEDERATION
Grants primarily fund presenting organizations, and those must be in the West. But the artists who perform can hail from anywhere in the country—and music is at the forefront.
HELENE WURLITZER FOUNDATION
The Wurlitzer Foundation does not award traditional grants. Its philanthropy consists of three-month residencies for visual artists, writers and musical composers.
Additional Resources
Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) is the national network of private, public and corporate arts funders focused on providing “leadership and service that advances the use of philanthropic and governmental resources to support the growth of the arts and culture.”
Americans for the Arts focuses on advancing the arts broadly in the United States. It is an important organization for the music community, producing white papers, research on fundraising trends and a repository of funding resources.
SMU DataArts’ mission is “to empower arts and cultural leaders with high-quality data and evidence-based resources and insights that help them to overcome challenges and increase impact.”
The Performing Arts Alliance is the national policy advocate, leadership forum and learning network for America’s nonprofit performing arts organizations, artists and allies.
