Where can I find grants for musicians?
Candid does not give grants/donations, suggest specific funders, or approach them on your behalf. More about Candid’s mission. Please refer to the tips and websites in this article.
To get an overview of funding information and resources available to artists of all types, start by reading our Knowledge Base article: Where can I find grants for individual artists?
Musician and author David Cutler tells us in his blog post about income models that "grants [to musicians] can provide support for projects or an income source that allows you to focus attention on that project." He warns though that "these competitive awards are far from guaranteed." An example would be a grant that pays for you to compose a piece or make a recording.
He also states in his book The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living & Making a Difference (Helius Press, 2010) that "to increase your chances of success, apply for multiple grants when possible." Cutler also recommends even "targeting opportunities not specifically designed for musicians."
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
Q: Where can I find grants for film or videomakers?
Q: Where can I find grants for performing artists?
Q: Where can I find grants for visual artists?
Q: Where can I find grants for writers?
Q: What is an artist's statement? Where can I find samples?
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Staff-recommended websites
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Staff pick
Art Deadlines List
Art students, teachers, and artists of all ages can search for art contests and competitions; art jobs and internships; art scholarships, grants, and fellowships; art festivals; call for entries, proposals, and projects; and other opportunities in all disciplines.
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The ASCAP Foundation
Awards & Recognition
Lists prizes and awards for composers and songwriters in various areas of music.
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ASCAP
Awards Programs
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) makes various awards and gives prizes to jazz and classical composers or groups.
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BMI Foundation, Inc.
Describes awards, scholarships, internships, and fund programs established to encourage young composers and support the work of accomplished concert-music composers in such areas as classical music, jazz, and musical theater.
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Musical Online
Five Foundations Promoting Music
This page describes five foundations promoting music around the world, and you can sign up for updates.
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NonProfit PRO
Fundraising Imitates Art: 6 Tips From a Musician's Capital Campaign
Best practices from capital campaigns are applied to help a musician and composer raise funds for a personal project.
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Grammy Museum Foundation
Grant Program
Provides information on grants that support the archiving and preserving of the music and recorded sound heritage of the Americas.
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New Music USA
Grants
New Music USA provides over $1 million each year in grant support for the creation and performance of new work and community building throughout the country. Lists current funding, as well as past awardees. Includes knowledge base.
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The Blues Foundation
HART Fund
The Blues Foundation established the HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses.
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National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
Jazz Masters Fellowships
The National Endowment for the Arts has three funding programs for individuals including the Jazz Masters Fellowships that are awarded to living individuals on the basis of nominations from the public including the jazz community.
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Recording Academy
MusiCares
Provides "short-term financial assistance for personal or addiction needs that have arisen due to unforeseen circumstances."
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Staff pick
The Actors Fund
Social Services and Financial Assistance
The Actors Fund Social Services offer comprehensive programs designed to meet the critical needs of entertainment professionals throughout their lives. Financial assistance can be provided for essential living expenses such as rent, utilities or medical costs.
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Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Since 1994 Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has provided assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. Grant recipients include recording artists, club and session musicians, composers & songwriters from across the country.
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Staff pick
The Actors Fund
Provides a safety net in times of need or crisis for those working in theater, film, television, radio, music, dance, opera and circus.
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Dave Ruch
What Arts Councils Do For Performing Artists
A professional performer and teacher outlines what local arts agencies can do to support those in the performing arts. He also provides resources for grant funding for performances and lectures.
Staff-recommended books
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The Profitable Artist: A Handbook for All Artists in the Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts (Second Edition)
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist: Selling Yourself without Selling Your Soul (Seventh Edition)
Find: Amazon | Free eBook