Let the Music Play Grant Program

Let the Music Play Grant Program is a grant from Summerfest and American Family Insurance that funds music education and music-based programming for nonprofit organizations and schools serving Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Since its inception in 2018, the program has awarded over 50 grants supporting music education for hundreds of students annually.

Now in its eighth year, the program is open to organizations providing a variety of music-based activities across the greater Milwaukee community, including instrumental music, music therapy, and performance programs. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations and schools operating in Milwaukee County. Award amounts vary.

The program represents Summerfest's commitment to investing in youth music education and the local music community.

Let the Music Play Music Grants | Summerfest, The World's Largest Music Festival Be the first to know about updates Be the first to know about the Lineup, Ticket Promos, and Festival Updates Yes, I would like to receive updates and special offers from Summerfest/Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.* Let the Music Play Music Grants LET THE MUSIC PLAY Grant Program View 2026 Grant Recipient Announce Since its inception in 2018, the Let the Music Play Grant program has awarded over 50 grants, supporting music education for hundreds of students annually.

Now entering its eighth year, Summerfest and American Family Insurance look forward to continuing that support through the upcoming 2025-2026 grant cycle. The Let The Music Play grant program is open to non-profit organizations and schools that serve Milwaukee County through music-based programming.

The program is intended to represent the variety of music-based activities taking place in the greater Milwaukee community and is open to programs ranging from bands, orchestras and jazz ensembles to musical theater and dance. In the initial years of the grant program, each recipient organization received a standard amount of $2,500.

Moving forward, the amounts granted to each recipient will vary based on the needs and budgets detailed by applicants; actual awards may exceed the previous $2,500 limit. Grants may also be awarded in amounts which fulfil a portion of your request. Please contact us with any questions at [email protected] Submissions for the 2025 -2026 application period has closed.

Before you start your application , please download the CRITERIA FOR FUNDS AND EXCLUSIONS ON USE document here (PDF opens in a new window) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) . This document contains important information on common uses for grant funds as well as purposes for which the funds CANNOT be used.

The Let the Music Play Grant program has supported the following nonprofit organizations and schools: MacDowell Montessori School Milwaukee Community Orchestra The Milwaukee Science Education Consortium, Inc. Bayview Montessori School Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts School District of South Milwaukee Bella Gail Foundation, Inc. Bembe Drum and Dance, Inc. Milwaukee High School of the Arts Congress Elementary School Fernwood Montessori School Forest Home Avenue School Maryland Avenue Montessori School Milwaukee School of Languages Ninety Fifth Street School Wedgewood Park International Middle School Wisconsin Conservatory Of Music Greenfield Bilingual School Lancaster Elementary School Reagan International Baccalaureate High School Carmen Schools of Science and Technology Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)