Community Music Grants

Community Music Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: D'Addario Foundation
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

The D'Addario Foundation offers Community Music Grants to support nonprofit organizations providing accessible music education. These grants, awarded for 1 to 2 years, aim to enhance outreach for communities lacking musical instruction. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and affordability. With a focus on diverse instrumentation, the foundation prioritizes programs that cater to underrepresented populations, ensuring that music education is available to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

Overview

Grants The D’Addario Foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that provide free or affordable music instruction to communities that would not otherwise have access to this opportunity. Each year, we support approximately 200 nonprofits around the globe through distinct grant opportunities: Community Music Grants These 1- and 2-year awards provide cash and in-kind support to nonprofits that offer free or affordable, robust music instruction (minimum 3 hours per week per student) with an emphasis on outreach and accessibility.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. InstrumentationGuitar, winds, orchestral, keys, percussion, regional or indigenous instrument, voice, electronic music, sound engineering, and/or the teaching of instrument repairAverage hours per week of instruction for one studentMinimum of 3 hours/week in-person instruction or rehearsal for each participant. For nonprofits whose primary audience is students with learning differences, those with physical/emotional challenges, incarcerated individuals, or individuals facing other extenuating circumstances, a minimum of 2 hours/week in-person instruction for each participant may be considered to accommodate nonprofits serving populations with unique needs% of students demonstrating financial or other special needMinimum of 50%Tuition or Fee Structure (budget submission must illustrate income and expenses)Tuition or fees from students/families cannot represent more than 25% of total org revenueQualification to ApplyMust have receive a cash grant from the D’Addario Foundation within the past 2 years or successfully complete the eligibility quiz and receive a follow-up invitation to apply for a Community Music GrantDuration1- and 2-year grants awarded at the discretion of the review committeeGrant FrequencyCommunity Music Grant recipients that are awarded cash grants may reapply after their grant term ends, however, consecutively recurring cash grants are not guaranteed.Organizations may only submit one proposal per year.

Ineligibility

Organizations may not apply for any other D’Addario Foundation grant programs during that year We do NOT provide funding for the following:IndividualsCompanies or for-profit entities Scholarships of any kind Music studios/schools where the majority of students pay tuition Summer camps that are not supported by academic-year programming Master classes, workshops, competitions, telethons, benefits, galas, events, concerts, or fundraisers Music exposure such as performances, festivals, or instrument petting zoos, etc. Capital campaigns, endowments, or building funds Band boosters, parent organizations, or private schools School-affiliated music, band, and/or orchestra programs Music therapy initiativesReligious or fraternal organizations Instruments or equipment requests Political or lobbying organizations