Music Matters Grant

Funder: Music Aid Northwest (MAN) in partnership with Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)

Geographic Scope: Washington State

Program Overview

Music Matters is a grant program designed to support public school music programs across Washington State. The program distributes funds to help schools purchase instruments, sheet music, choir risers, music stands, and other essential music education materials. In some instances, these grants help save entire school music programs from elimination.

Funding Information

• Award Range: $1,200 - $6,327 per grant (based on 2016 data)
• Total Funding Available: Varies by year (e.g., $83,027.70 in 2016; $114,000+ in 2019-2020)
• Funding Source: Sales proceeds from Music Matters specialty license plates (Washington State Department of Licensing) and Play it Forward Gala ticket sales and individual donations

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Public school music programs in Washington State
• Geographic Focus: Statewide coverage across Washington

What Funds Support

• Instruments
• Sheet music
• Choir risers
• Music stands
• Other materials to sustain music education programs

Review Process

• Grant Committee comprised of board members from Music Aid Northwest and Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)
• Committee reviews and approves funding requests
• Schools are contacted to coordinate check presentations

Contact Information

• Organization: Music Aid Northwest
• Address: 68 Skagit Key, Bellevue, WA 98006
• Phone: 425-681-4448
• Email: webmaster@musicaidnorthwest.org
• Contact Person: Bob Tomberg, Executive Director
• Email: bob@musicaidnorthwest.org
• Phone: 425-957-0900

Additional Information

• Applications handled through Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)
• Website: wmea.org

Application Process

Submission Portal: Applications processed through Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)

How to Apply:

1. Visit wmea.org to access the grant application
2. Complete the Music Matters grant request form
3. Submit application through WMEA

Application Requirements:

• School name and location
• Description of music program needs
• Specific items to be purchased (instruments, sheet music, choir risers, music stands, etc.)
• Budget details

Review Timeline:

• Grant Committee meets annually (typically in spring, e.g., May)
• Schools are contacted after approval to coordinate check presentations

Contact for Questions:

• Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) - wmea.org
• Music Aid Northwest: bob@musicaidnorthwest.org or 425-957-0900