Best Grants for Musical Instruments in New York

Eligible New York school and community-based programs offering academic enrichment and youth development, including music activities, can apply for New York State Education Department’s NY Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants; awards US $50,000 - US $1,200,000 for comprehensive out-of-school-time learning. Programs needing funds for musical instruments as part of broader enrichment may benefit.

New York arts nonprofits sponsoring individual artists to create or develop new work can receive US $10,000 in artist or commissioning fees through this program. New York State Council on the Arts supports music and other disciplines statewide; projects involving musical composition, performance, or related media in New York may be eligible.

Individual poets, writers, musicians, composers, and other artists can receive US $5,000 to pursue creative projects using the Woodberry Poetry Room collections, including those based in or connected to New York’s music community. Focused on creative and scholarly work, this Harvard Public Library Trust fellowship also includes special library access and a T. S. Eliot House residency.

New York and mid-Atlantic 501(c)(3) presenters and government units that regularly present touring artists can access funding and network membership to support jazz touring and presentations. Through the Jazz Touring Network, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation offers up to US $3,000 plus professional development, which may help organizations enhancing music programming and related equipment needs.

Accredited charities in New York working on humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives may be eligible for philanthropic project support, including music-related programs, from La Roche. Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy prioritizes innovative, sustainable projects that engage local affiliates and employees and leverage Roche’s expertise in communities worldwide.

Nonprofit organizations providing music programming, music education, or community support through music in Central New York’s six counties may be eligible for funding. Focused on music and performing arts, Syracuse Sounds of Music Association invites New York music groups in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, and Oswego counties to apply.

College-bound student musicians in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County can receive scholarship support to further their musical education through the Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship. With a mission to support music and education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois assists young performers active in school or community music groups who submit a recorded audition and teacher reference.

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation

Who knew that a movie made 30 years ago would become the catalyst for the creation of a namesake non-profit, changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids by giving them access to learn and play music in school – keeping music education alive and strong across the country?

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. Michael Kamen, who wrote the score for the film, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.

The Foundation donates high-quality musical instruments to deserving, under-funded music programs, and provides an array of support services to school districts. By increasing the school’s inventory of quality, playable instruments, music teachers are given the tools they need to deliver a quality music education to students who want to learn. In collaboration with committed school districts, the Foundation’s investments are strategically placed as part of a K–12 district-wide plan to achieve positive and lasting results. Generations of students will benefit.

Instrument Grants

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation donates musical instruments to schools nationwide with a focus on increasing student access to music education programs in low-income communities.

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation grants consist of musical instruments and equipment only; no cash grants are provided. Our team handles sourcing, ordering, and delivering the instruments. As part of the application process, we work with the teacher to assess the program’s needs to determine the appropriate instruments and equipment. Note that only student model instruments are provided, and the brand is at the Foundation’s discretion.

Medical students in New York engaged in bioethics programs or semiprofessional/professional work in the humanities, including music, theater, literature, art, or dance, can apply for the Lazarus Family Scholarship. This Physicians of Tomorrow award from the American Medical Association Foundation provides US $10,000 in tuition assistance and an opportunity to present for VIP-level donors.

Emerging jazz artists ages 21–35 based in New York or elsewhere in the U.S. can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy support; awards US $10,000 for creative and career development. This national apprenticeship and mentorship program offers master bandleader performances, professional mentoring, cohort learning, Berklee Online coursework, and festival showcases that may benefit musicians seeking resources beyond instruments.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing undergraduate education and active in music or golf may be eligible for scholarship support, including up to US $2,000 total, from the Beatrice Educational Foundation. While based in Nebraska, this academic scholarship may benefit strong music students in New York whose profiles match the Foundation’s priorities.

Graduating Beatrice High School seniors planning undergraduate study in music or related fields can receive up to US $1,000 for tuition, room and board, or books through this scholarship. Beatrice Educational Foundation favors applicants active in school music programs, volunteer organizations, and St. John Lutheran Church; awards are limited to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Founded in 1978, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a tax-exempt trusted public charity that advances equity through philanthropy and community leadership. Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:

• Social and Economic Mobility
• Opportunities for All
• Inclusive Systems of Economic Growth
• Community Resilience

Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Fund

The Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to benefit students studying musical performance, jazz studies or choral conducting at a historically or predominantly black college or university (HBCU).

Individual music scholars needing help with publication costs can apply for up to US $2,500 to support works in music studies, including books, articles, and non-print media. The American Musicological Society supports eligible members in New York and across the U.S. with expenses like illustrations, permissions, indexing, and multimedia materials.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) provides publication subventions to support music scholarship. With an annual budget of approximately $80,000, these funds assist institutions and individuals, particularly those in the Coalition of Music Organizations, in covering publication costs and enhancing accessibility. Grants are available for various formats including books and articles, promoting diversity in music studies and ensuring that scholarly works can reach a wider audience.

About Us

Mission Statement

The Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies offers a unique environment for the study, appreciation, use, and promotion of a wide range of keyboard instruments. To serve an increasingly diverse audience, the Center presents keyboard-related conferences, workshops, concerts, masterclasses, educational programs, and publishes scholarly work at regular intervals; longstanding priorities have included the intersections of historical practices and technologies with larger social and artistic developments. In its activities and governance, the Center seeks to foster inclusion and equity among artists, builders, scholars, educators, students, enthusiasts, and partner organizations.

Since its founding in 1979, the Center has sponsored over one hundred events, including workshops, research conferences and symposia, tours to historic instruments, solo recitals and early music concerts, and educational programs designed to interest the general public in keyboard instruments and their repertoire.

Members include highly acclaimed artists, noted scholars, some of the world’s greatest instrument builders, and music lovers.

The Barbara Owen Research Grant

A lifelong member of the Westfield Center, Barbara Owen made immense contributions to our understanding of the organ and its music. She was especially known for her scholarship on the American organ and organists, and she co-wrote the Grove Dictionary article on the organ, a standard reference work. To honor her memory, the Westfield Center will award a $2000 grant for research into historical keyboard instruments (organ, harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano). The research may culminate in a scholarly article or other format for presenting the information.

The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

The Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, aims to support young singers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, or Music Composition. Named after a cherished former president, this scholarship provides $5,000 USD to assist with tuition and fees. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to barbershop music, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and provide letters of reference. This initiative reflects the organization's dedication to fostering musical talent and education within the community.

Nonprofit performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, and record companies with a multi-year focus on contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive unrestricted operating support, typically US $2,000 - US $20,000. Focused on music, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music invites eligible groups, including those in New York, to strengthen public appreciation of contemporary works.

Music nonprofits, ensembles, presenters, service organizations, and record companies in New York can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for contemporary American concert music and jazz projects. Eligible activities include performances, recordings or livestreams, residencies, archives, and related professional or artist support programs.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing music studies can apply for the H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, awarding US $450 for college or vocational education costs. Offered by Community Foundation of the Ozarks, this opportunity may benefit New York music students seeking support for instrumental, vocal, or ensemble participation at accredited institutions.

The Dr. Alice M. Hudder- Richard T. Molder Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund, established by Richard Molder, supports Erie County high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education. In 2023, the Erie Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Two awards will be granted: one for students focusing on science, math, or business, and another for those studying art or music, emphasizing financial need and a strong work ethic.

The Joanie Bostic Memorial Senior Pirate Spirit Award, established by the Decatur County Community Foundation, honors Joanie Bostic's passion for youth and Greensburg athletics. This scholarship recognizes a senior who exemplifies outstanding school spirit through participation in or support of athletics or music. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from Greensburg Community High School and submit a statement detailing their school experience and encouragement of Pirate spirit.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to enhance the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML) at the Eastman School of Music. It fosters collaboration with various departments, inviting external experts for presentations and events. Additionally, the New Faculty Grant is specifically for new full-time faculty within their first two years, promoting professional development opportunities. Only two grants are awarded annually, emphasizing support for departments that did not receive funding in the previous year.

The IML Mentorship Grant offers students at the Eastman School of Music funding and mentorship to foster innovative ideas in music. It seeks applicants who demonstrate musical excellence, a compelling project concept, and the potential for sustainable initiatives. Eligible candidates must be full-time students during the award period and attend an advising appointment before applying. This grant aims to enhance creativity and add value to both the music field and the community.

The Music's Future Scholarship, provided by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music education by offering financial support to students enrolled in music degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, submit a letter of reference, a resume, a personal statement, and a prior semester transcript. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also addresses the importance of music in education, fostering opportunities for students to discuss improvements in music education.

The Music Family Scholarship, funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music appreciation and accessibility for children and communities. Established in 1948, the MPTF provides free live music programs across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on underserved populations. Eligible applicants must have a parent in good standing with a Local AFM and be enrolled in higher education for fall 2025. This scholarship encourages artistic expression and community unity through music, fostering enriching experiences for all.