NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program: Music Program Grants

NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program: Music Program Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Namm Foundation
Amount: US $5,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: November 15, 2025

Summary

The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program supports music programs that enhance participation and career mobility in music for underrepresented communities. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are available for 501(c)(3) organizations and their international equivalents. The program prioritizes high-impact initiatives that address barriers to music-making and promote workforce development. Applications undergo a two-stage review process, ensuring a thorough evaluation of proposals and their alignment with the Foundation's mission to invest in the future of music.

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 Music Program Grants The NAMM Foundation accepts Music Program Grant applications from 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations and their international equivalents to support Participatory Music Making and Career Mobility, benefiting historically underrepresented communities or groups. 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. Programs must align with one or both of the Foundation's funding priorities.Must have 501(c)(3) status or international equivalency. Programs can benefit countries outside the US.International ApplicantsMusic associations or service organizations outside the US with IRS 501(c)(3) equivalency that support advocacy initiatives and/or programs in the areas of Participatory Music Making or Career Mobility in their home countries.   All documentation must be translated into English.Please contact the foundation staff to determine whether your organization meets eligibility and equivalency standards.High-quality, hands-on, and relevant music-making, music-training, and/or workforce development initiatives that are, 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.Programs can be new or established and must demonstrate current, or intended, positive impact on eliminating barriers to music making, music learning, and/or music career pathways that prioritize historically underserved communities or groups of people.Programs can serve any age group.Programs representing all musical genres are welcome to apply.Applicants are not required to be music organizations, but programs must be music-focused.Demonstrate strong organizational and fiscal management, measurable goals and outcomes, and excellent programmatic standards.Demonstration of broad financial support for the proposed program is encouraged.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

While we acknowledge the value of one-time music exposure programs and concerts, such as assemblies, field trips, and masterclasses, we do not fund these types of events.Regranting programs are not eligible. International grants cannot be re-granted to other charities, individuals, or organizations. 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