NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program: Music Program Grants

NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program: Music Program Grants is sponsored by The NAMM Foundation. The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program supports music programs that enhance participation and career mobility in music for underrepresented communities.

Music Program Grants | NAMM Foundation Program support for music programs in the U.S. and abroad. Music Program Grants-Application Period Closed The NAMM Foundation accepts Music Program Grant applications from 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations and their international equivalents to support Participatory Music Learning and Career Mobility , benefiting historically underrepresented communities or groups.

Grant awards range from $5,000-$25,000. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026. Award Notification: September 30, 2026 Participatory Music Learning.

High-quality, hands-on, relevant music-making, music-training, that is, or will be, a permanent part of an organization’s annual programming and serve, or will serve, an established cohort of participants that engage with the program regularly. Career Mobility. Career Mobility is career development for youth or adults in any area of the music industry.

Commercial (e.g. production, recording, live event, instrument makers, retail, etc.) musicians, and teaching artists. Programs must align with one or both of the Foundation's funding priorities. Must have 501(c)(3) status or international equivalency.

Programs can benefit countries outside the U.S. High-quality, hands-on, and relevant music-making, music-training, and/or workforce development initiatives that are, or will be, a permanent part of an organization’s annual programming and serve, or will serve, an established cohort of participants that engage with the program regularly.

While we acknowledge the value of one-time music exposure programs and concerts, such as assemblies, field trips, and masterclasses, we do not fund these types of events. Programs can be new or established and must demonstrate current, or intended, positive impact on eliminating barriers to music making, music learning, and/or music career pathways that prioritize historically underserved communities or groups of people.

Programs can serve any age group. Programs representing all musical genres are welcome to apply. Applicants are not required to be music organizations, but programs must be music-focused.

Demonstrate strong organizational and fiscal management, measurable goals and outcomes, and excellent programmatic standards. Demonstration of broad financial support for the proposed program is encouraged. Regranting programs are not eligible.

Align with one or more music product industry segments: Band/Orchestra (wind, brass, strings, large/small ensembles); Fretted Instruments; Percussion; Electronic & Recording; Printed and Digital Music; Keyboard; Pro Audio & Lighting; Other Genres.

Music associations or service organizations outside the U.S. with IRS 501(c)(3) equivalency that support advocacy initiatives and/or programs in the areas of Participatory Music Making or Career Mobility in their home countries. International grants cannot be re-granted to other charities, individuals, or organizations. All documentation must be translated into English.

Please contact the foundation staff to determine whether your organization meets eligibility and equivalency standards. To apply for Round 1, please review our guidelines and begin the application process by completing the short eligibility quiz. Organizations will apply through the foundation's Cybergrants Portal.

Review the instructions to submit an application via the Cybergrants Portal. Round 1. Interested nonprofit organizations must apply through our online portal by April 1.

Download the full guidelines to review the requirements. Round 2. Selected organizations from Round 1 will be invited to advance to Round 2.

Round 2 of the application process is designed to help us get to know your organization better and will include a virtual site visit. To prepare your proposal, we recommend reviewing the application PDF before starting the online application. You may use this document as a working copy for your narrative, then copy and paste it into the portal.

To ensure a strong and competitive application, we recommend carefully following all the provided instructions. Proposals must be submitted through the online grant portal.

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