Levitt Music Series Grants - BLOC

Levitt Music Series Grants - BLOC

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation
Amount: Up to US $120,000
Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Summary

The Levitt Music Series Grants - BLOC provides a unique opportunity for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits to activate underused public spaces through free live music. This multi-year matching grant supports communities in enhancing social cohesion and cultural pride by hosting 7-10 concerts annually. Eligible applicants can receive up to $120K in funding, promoting diverse music genres in outdoor, accessible venues. This initiative fosters community engagement and enriches local cultural landscapes.

Overview

NOTE: Geography Insight and Additional Criteria from our Funder - The proposed public space cannot be located in the same town or city as an existing Levitt Music Series (not applicable to Chicago or Los Angeles). Please visit our Locations page for current grantees. If an existing Levitt Music Series is located in an applicant’s state or region, the proposed public space must be located a minimum of 50 miles or more from an existing Levitt Music Series (not applicable to Chicago or Los Angeles). Please visit our Locations page for current grantees. If an existing Levitt venue is, or will be, located in an applicant’s state or region, the proposed public space must be located a minimum of 75 miles or more from the existing or developing Levitt venue. Existing Levitt venues may be found on our Locations page. Cities where Levitt venues are in development include Houston, New Orleans, and San Jose. Please note: this radius exclusion does not apply to organizations located in Los Angeles, within the Los Angeles metro area, or Southern California.BLOC - Multiple proposals from different nonprofit organizations for different public spaces are eligible in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Phoenix, and San Antonio. The radius exclusions of 50 miles from an existing Levitt Music Series and 75 miles from a Levitt venue do not apply to these cities. Levitt Music Series Grants - BLOC Levitt BLOC is a multi-year matching grant opportunity that activates underused public spaces across multiple neighborhoods within a town or city through the joy of free, live music. Geared to communities of any size, Levitt BLOC (Building Layers Of Community) activates different neighborhoods in a town or city by “layering” concerts across multiple public spaces, broadening the overall reach of the music series. Levitt BLOC fosters social cohesion and amplifies community pride by featuring a diverse lineup ranging from acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award-winning artists on the local, regional, and national circuits, ensuring access to high-caliber performances throughout a community. Levitt BLOC launched as a two-year pilot program this past year with the Chattanooga-based nonprofit, RISE. In addition to financial support, the Levitt Foundation provides grant recipients with valuable resources including best practices, program frameworks, toolkits, and trainings to deepen impact in their communities. Funding U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible to receive a three-year matching grant of up to $40K/year (up to $120K total) to bring 7-10 free concerts to your community each year!

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. For all applicants:Applicant must be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the same town, city, or county of the proposed music series. The proposed music series must be free to the public. The proposed public space where the free concerts would be presented must be outdoors, easily accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances, and have a lawn-like setting with no fixed seating. The proposed public space is underused and activation of the space would create dynamic social and economic impact. A programming philosophy that is inclusive of all members of the community, is family-friendly, and represents a diverse range of music genres. A proven track record of presenting quality concerts or community events or partnering with an individual or organization that has done so. On an annual basis, applicant must meet the matching funds requirement. The proposed public space cannot be located in the same town or city as an existing Levitt Music Series (not applicable to Chicago or Los Angeles). Please visit our Locations page for current grantees. If an existing Levitt Music Series is located in an applicant’s state or region, the proposed public space must be located a minimum of 50 miles or more from an existing Levitt Music Series (not applicable to Chicago or Los Angeles). Please visit our Locations page for current grantees. If an existing Levitt venue is, or will be, located in an applicant’s state or region, the proposed public space must be located a minimum of 75 miles or more from the existing or developing Levitt venue. Existing Levitt venues may be found on our Locations page. Cities where Levitt venues are in development include Houston, New Orleans, and San Jose. Please Note: This radius exclusion does not apply to organizations located in Los Angeles, within the Los Angeles metro area, or Southern California.If applying to Levitt BLOC: All proposed Levitt BLOC Music Series must take place in towns and cities within the United States and its territories. There is no population minimum or maximum requirement.There must be a minimum of four different proposed public spaces for the series, all of which must be in the same town, city, or county.Multiple proposals from different nonprofit organizations for different public spaces are eligible in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Phoenix, and San Antonio. The radius exclusions of 50 miles from an existing Levitt Music Series and 75 miles from a Levitt venue do not apply to these cities.