Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants

The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education initiatives in Illinois, primarily benefiting nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for specific projects, emphasizing collaboration and diverse funding, with a preference for local organizations. Applicants can reapply in subsequent cycles if not funded. The foundation prioritizes impactful projects that address unmet needs in music education, while ensuring that funds are not used for religious purposes, advertising, or political campaigns.

Through the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund (FRWFF), the DeKalb County Community Foundation provides grants to nonprofit community organizations primarily in Illinois involving music education.
When applying for a grant, please note the following:
Grants are one-time awards supporting specific projects to be completed within one year. In limited cases, a commitment may be made to a specific project for a longer period.Matching and/or in-kind funds are not required to apply; however, collaboration and diverse project funding are always recommended, when appropriate.Grants for specific projects offered by the same organization are not typically awarded year-after-year (e.g. no ‘evergreen funding’).In the case of a nationally, statewide, or regionally sponsored organization, no portion of the grant can be used to support the national, state, or regional entity.Organizations can only receive one successful grant per two consecutive grant periods. For example, if an application in the fall grant cycle is funded in any amount, that organization is not eligible to receive another grant until the following fall or thereafter. If a grant application is not funded, an organization may re-apply with a similar or new application in the next grant cycle. Please plan your project and grant request accordingly.Applicants may receive partial funding for their request. Applicants are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the amount requested and develop a budget rationale that accurately corresponds with the proposed project.
Grantmaking Priorities
FRWFF board of advisors believes that it is necessary to invest its limited funds where they will have the greatest impact on music education. Priority will be given to
Promote and enhance organizations whose services benefit the residents of Illinois. Applicants that meet the criteria but are from the greater Chicagoland area outside Illinois will be considered if funding is available.Assist organizations to better respond to clearly defined unmet music education needs of underserved populations.Programs and projects that enhance cooperation and collaboration among organizations.Leveraging funds and in-kind support, such as using "seed" money, "match" and "challenge" grants and funds from multiple sources.

Eligibility

Grants are prioritized for eligible organizations located in or serving DeKalb County, Illinois. Applicants that meet the criteria but are from the greater Chicagoland area outside Illinois will be considered if funding is available.School Districts – Within school districts, the above-mentioned guidelines apply to each school building.For example, each elementary, middle, and high school building is eligible to receive one grant per two grant cycles or one grant per calendar year.To ensure that each individual school grant request is aligned to the district’s strategic priorities and initiatives, each grant application must include a letter of support from the district office or school principal, including a narrative explaining how the project fits within the district plans. This letter is also required when any 501(c)3 organization (e.g. PTO, Music Booster Club) is applying on behalf of a school district.Higher Education – Within a community college or university, each “department” is eligible to receive one grant per two grant cycles, or one grant per calendar year.

Ineligibility

If a grant is awarded and the organization chooses to decline the award, the organization is not eligible to apply for a grant during the following grant cycle.While the FRWFF remains flexible in supporting music education, in general, FRWFF grants are not intended to support:Religious purposes.However, grants may be given to religious organizations for programs or projects that are consistent with the FRWFF grant priorities.Music performance not related to education.Purchase of advertising.Capital debt reduction or operation debt reduction.Political campaign support or attempts to influence legislative issues of any government body.