NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program: General Operating Grants

NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program: General Operating Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Namm Foundation
Amount: US $5,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program offers general operating grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit music organizations that align with its mission of fostering music participation. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are aimed at eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities in music-making and career mobility. The foundation seeks to support innovative projects that enhance music education and create more music makers, while prioritizing historically underserved groups.

Overview

NOTE: Our application process has two stages. Stage 1 is open to any eligible organization. Round 1 is a full application and will be reviewed based on the criteria listed in the guidelines. See Pre-Proposal Deadline above. After submitting the initial Round 1 proposal, select organizations from that pool will be invited to Round 2, which will include a virtual site visit to help us better understand your organization. While some additional documentation may be requested, you will not be required to provide a second full grant application.See Full Proposal Deadline above. Mission At The NAMM Foundation, our mission is clear - Invest in the future of music. Global Grantmaking Inspired by the generosity of the music products industry, The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) established The NAMM Foundation in 2006 to make charitable investments that create more music makers across the lifespan. Since then, the foundation has awarded $20 million in nonprofit and music research grants. Today, the foundation seeks to understand the systemic barriers that prevent youth and adults from participating in music-making and music careers. We then invest in big ideas and bold solutions that help eliminate these barriers. Our Global Grantmaking invests in charitable organizations, worldwide, that demonstrate a significant impact on music career mobility and the creation of more music makers across the lifespan of learning. What We Fund We award grants to high-impact organizations across the globe that create more music makers by eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities and groups of people in two areas, Participatory Music Making and Career Mobility: Participatory Music Making: High-quality, hands-on, relevant music-making, music-training, that is, or will be, a permanent part of an organization’s annual programming and serve, or will serve, an established cohort of participants that engage with the program regularly. Career Mobility: Career Mobility is career development for youth or adults in any area of the music industry. Commercial (e.g. production, recording, live event, instrument makers, retail, etc.) musicians, and teaching artists. Grant Tracks Within these given priorities, we offer three grant tracks: Music Program Grants for US and International OrganizationsGeneral Operating Grants for US Music Organizations Music Research Grants for US Organizations General Operating Grants We accept General Operating Grant applications from 501 (c)(3) nonprofit music organizations whose entire mission aligns with our funding priorities and demonstrate strong management practices and high programmatic standards. Funding Grants from The NAMM Foundation can range between $5,000-$25,000, depending on the size and scope of the request.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Have a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) designation. New or existing organizations are eligible.Any musical genres is eligible.Meet one or more of the foundation’s funding priorities.Prioritize historically underserved communities and groups of people.Measurable goals and outcomes.Excellent programmatic standards.Demonstrate strong organizational and fiscal management.Grants must be used for the organization's charitable purpose, but are not restricted to a program or cost center.Align with one or more music product industry segments: Band/Orchestra (wind, brass, strings, large/small ensembles); Fretted Instruments; Percussion; Electronic & Recording; Printed and Digital Music; Keyboard; Pro Audio & Lighting; Other Genres.

Ineligibility

Non-US organizations are not eligible for General Operating Grants.Regranting programs are not eligible. What Global Grantmaking Does Not Fund?Grants for individuals.Endowments, fundraisers, capital campaigns, annual appeals.Conferences.Deficit financing.Purchase of tickets, ads, sponsorships, parties, conferences, fairs, fundraiser events.K-12 school districts, public, private, independent, charter schools, are ONLY eligible for research grants.Higher education institutions are ONLY eligible for research grants.Publications.Legal services.Cash regranting.Scholarships.Government agencies.Private foundations.Political candidates or lobbying organizations.Programs or organizations that discriminate based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, veteran status, disability or other characteristics protected by law