Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.
Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.
Terry Baucom (1952-2023), was a bluegrass musician known for his immediately recognizable, hard driving banjo style, as well as for his skills on fiddle and vocals. He led his own band, The Dukes of Drive, and he was a founding member of Boone Creek, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and IIIrd Tyme Out. He also performed with Charlie Moore, The New Quicksilver, BlueRidge, Lou Reid & Carolina, and others. The grant was established by his widow, Cindy Baucom, an award-winning bluegrass broadcaster and emcee.
Awards for the Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant will begin in January, 2025. Baucom Grants are to be used to help cover expenses for lessons, educational materials, instrument repair, or tuition for workshops and camps. There is no age limit for bluegrass musicians applying for this grant. Baucom grants are for various amounts throughout the year, up to $500/person. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Baucom grant.