MPTF Grant

MPTF Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Music Performance Trust Fund
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of music. It offers free, live music programs across the United States and Canada, ensuring access to quality musical experiences for diverse communities. Funded by royalties from major record labels, the MPTF collaborates with local arts organizations to promote music education and performance, enriching lives through the power of music at no cost to attendees.

Overview

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) was established in 1948 as a nonprofit independent public service organization whose mission includes contributing to the public knowledge and appreciation of music, as well as making music a part of every child’s life experience. Headquartered in New York City, the tax-exempt MPTF, operating under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, evolved from a landmark collective bargaining agreement between the American Federation of Musicians and the major recording companies of the day. Today the MPTF is a vital organization that brings music to the public and supplements the income of musicians, all at no cost to those receiving this precious gift of music.Funded via a royalty stream from the signatory record labels, led by the three major labels, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and the Warner Music Group, the MPTF today presents thousands of live, admission-free musical programs annually in the United States and Canada. Under the terms of their agreement, the recording companies pay a royalty from the sale of sound recordings to the Fund. These funds are supplemented by co-sponsoring organizations and administered by a Trustee, who is independent of both the recording industry and the AFM. Programs The Music Performance Trust Fund brings free, live, professional music programs to communities through a variety of means including large-scale festivals and park concerts; educational activities, teacher training and assemblies in schools; intimate assisted living facility and senior center events; and more. Events are presented in partnership with a number of national and local arts and arts education providers. Our aim is to increase access to enriching, quality musical experiences for public school students, older adults, and those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend professional music performances. How to recieve MPTF Funding? Contact the musicians’ union serving your area.You can also find the union serving your area by going here. Click on ‘For Members’ then on ‘Find My Local’.The musicians’ union serves as our representatives.They will guide you through our process and apply to us on your behalf.Policies vary from local to local.The local representative will go over their policies and see if you are eligible for MPTF funding.  Once the local union determines you qualify for an MPTF grant, they apply to MPTF.All correspondence should be between you and the union representative/office.Should a problem occur, you may contact MPTF  here.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The performance is free and open to the public; andMusic is the prime purpose of the audience being at a particular place at a particular time.

Ineligibility

Where music is incidental.For any partisan political event such as a rally, parade, meeting, convention, social function, or celebration.For any function (e.g., business meeting, convention, social function, dance, dinner, picnic, reception), of closed membership organization such as church, fraternal order, civic club, veteran’s organization, senior citizen club, professional, trade or labor organization, where the function is to be attended primarily by members and/or guests of members.Where music is a part of a religious service or in conjunction with a church-connected feast or holy day.Where co-sponsors should, or are in a position to, pay for services of musicians for free musical performances or if the primary purpose is commercial advantage.For any fund-raising activity regardless of the merit of the cause or charity.For public meetings organized for the sale of bonds of any foreign government, or for meetings or rallies assembled to favor or oppose the passage of legislation.Where there is no element of public interest or service involved.For school dances or functions such as proms, class reunions or alumni events. However, open dances, school or adult, may be approved.For commencement or graduation exercises or any activity relating thereto.For “appreciation” functions.For music workshops, seminars, or composers’ forums.For performances where the main purpose is to promote new works of a composer or composers.For performances where the main purpose is to the commercial, social or political advantage of any individual or business.