Levitt Music Series Grants - VIBE

Levitt Music Series Grants - VIBE

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 - VIBE is a matching grant program designed to bring free outdoor concerts to urban neighborhoods with limited access to the arts. Targeting U.S. cities over 250,000 in population, this initiative fosters community connections and pride through diverse musical performances. Nonprofits can apply for up to $120,000 over three years, ensuring inclusive programming that engages people of all backgrounds and helps activate underused public spaces.

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.VIBE- 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 - VIBE Levitt VIBE is a multi-year matching grant opportunity that brings the joy of free, live music to public spaces in city neighborhoods where access to arts experiences may be limited. Geared to large cities with a population over 250,000, Levitt VIBE (Vibrant Inclusive Beats for Everyone) brings the free outdoor concerts to neighborhoods where there is limited access to arts programming and live music. Each Levitt VIBE concert series features a diverse lineup of acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award-winning artists on the local, regional, and national circuits, ensuring access to high-caliber performances for people of all ages and backgrounds. Levitt VIBE Music Series create a community destination, connecting people to each other and inspiring neighborhood pride of place. Levitt VIBE was launched as a two-year pilot program this past year with three city neighborhoods: the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago; the Near Southside neighborhood of Indianapolis; and the East Oakland neighborhood of Oakland, California. 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 VIBE:All proposed Levitt VIBE Music Series must take place in cities within the United States and its territories with a population of more than 250,000 people. 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.