Best Grants for Music Education in Vermont

Schools and youth-serving organizations in Vermont seeking to run comprehensive afterschool and summer learning programs, including music education and arts enrichment, can apply for the Vermont Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education provide US $250,000 - US $700,000 over five years to support high-quality academic and youth development activities.

Vermont organizations using music as an educational tool for any age group can access funding through Music Drives Us, with awards up to US $10,000. Institutions such as schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs in New England that lack or have lost music education funding may be eligible.

Schools and nonprofit organizations in Vermont needing instruments to start or strengthen music education programs can receive brand-new instruments through this grant. Music Drives Us supports public and private schools, charter schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs across New England, with past grantees asked to wait three years before reapplying.

Vermont and other New England musicians and musical groups offering free, educational performances can receive up to US $10,000 to support concerts in schools, after-school programs, and public spaces. Grants from Music Drives Us help cover time and expenses for programs that expand access to quality music education, especially in underserved communities.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and adolescents can seek funding for youth education, enrichment, recreation, and health and wellness programs. The George W. Mergens Foundation supports initiatives such as music and arts education, after-school and camp experiences, STEM and literacy programs, and projects addressing food insecurity or physical and emotional wellbeing.

Public K-12 schools in Vermont with music or arts programs needing support can apply for California Casualty’s Music & Arts Grant, offering US $300 for program or classroom project needs. Grants from California Casualty help Vermont music education by funding supplies or activities proposed by active school employees who are members of eligible educator associations.

Graduating high school seniors planning to major in music can apply for the Maurice D. Taylor Memorial Music Scholarship to support post-secondary music education. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, this opportunity benefits students from Montrose or Elk Lake and may interest Vermont music education advocates seeking comparable scholarship models.

Students pursuing music education who need financial assistance can apply for the Mildred E. Troske Music Scholarship, which supports higher education in music-related fields. With a mission to support education, Grand Rapids Community Foundation provides scholarships that may benefit Vermont music education students with demonstrated financial need.

Students in music education focusing on viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol can receive scholarship support for their studies through the Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship. Focused on music education, Grand Rapids Community Foundation invites financially needy students, including those from Vermont, to apply for assistance with higher education costs in the performing and classical music fields.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need can apply for Stanislaus Community Foundation’s Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship; awards US $1,000 for college music studies. Vermont students planning higher education in music may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Nevada high school seniors pursuing a college major or minor in music can receive up to US $5,000 for higher education costs, supporting their path toward a career in music. The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Austen Marie Path to Music Memorial Scholarship may benefit aspiring musicians, including those from Vermont now studying in Nevada or with Nevada ties.

Vermont music education programs and young musicians can access funding through Northern New York Community Foundation to support music-related education and training costs. The Keith Brabant Music Scholarship helps aspiring musicians with documented financial need pay for college, lessons, instruments, books, or music camps, and may pay providers directly for specific educational expenses.

Students pursuing arts majors, including music education and other creative arts fields, may be eligible for scholarship support in Vermont through Northern Piedmont Community Foundation; funding can be used for higher education costs. Applicants should demonstrate good academic standing, community or work experience, and commitment to their chosen artistic discipline.

Students pursuing music education can receive funding for music instruction or college music majors through scholarships from Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The program serves K–11 students and high school seniors or college students from Chautauqua County, New York. Vermont music education programs may find this relevant for individual students with ties to that area.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing visual, performing, or media arts degrees in the U.S. can receive $1,000 to $5,000 to support their undergraduate education. Grants from National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People help Vermont students interested in fields like music, film, theatre, fashion, photography, graphic design, dance, journalism, or mass communications attend accredited colleges or universities.

High school seniors pursuing post-secondary music education or performance degrees, in areas where Singing Dutchmen members reside, can receive approximately US $1,000 through the Gloria Anderson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship from Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies supports aspiring musicians, which may benefit Vermont students if they live in eligible Singing Dutchmen communities.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Barbara Mashburn Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for a graduate of an Arkansas high school pursuing an education as a vocalist.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Allendale Community Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Allendale Community Foundation and Allendale Charter Township as a way to support a graduate residing in Allendale Charter Township who wishes to pursue a post-secondary education.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brian Edkins Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cape Fear High School; South View High School (Cumberland County) or Scotland High School (Scotland County, NC).

"Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles

The “Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles recognizes the hard-working graduates of Herkimer and Oneida counties pursuing their secondary education in a music-related field.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

The Alvin H. Johnson AMS 50 Fellowship supports PhD candidates in music scholarship during their final dissertation year. Awarded based on academic merit, it offers a $25,000 stipend for full-time study, with no tuition coverage. Applicants must be registered doctoral students in good standing at North American universities, having completed all requirements except the dissertation. The fellowship emphasizes timely completion, discouraging extensive employment during the term, and is non-renewable.

The Michael Todd Gavitt Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, honors Mike Gavitt's culinary passion and musical talent. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship is specifically for Eastern Connecticut residents in good academic standing who are pursuing studies in culinary arts, with secondary preference for those studying music. The approximate award is $500.

The Louis J. (Mattioli) Matt Music Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from public high schools in New Britain, Newington, or Plainville. Eligible students must pursue a bachelor's degree in music education or performance, demonstrate outstanding musical talent, and rank in the top 25% of their class. Financial need is also a key consideration, encouraging talented young musicians to further their education and hone their skills.

The Dollie Lane Harp Memorial Scholarship Fund for Classical Music, established by Ruth Harp Gibson, honors her mother’s legacy through music. This scholarship is available for students majoring in classical music at accredited U.S. universities or conservatories. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors from specific Texas high schools who have participated in music during their studies. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments made directly to educational institutions.

The Ruth Hatcher and Joe Williamson Music Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial support for McMurry junior or senior students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Music Education. This scholarship, honoring the legacy of Ruth Williamson's parents, is part of a broader initiative that supports various students with awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000, ensuring accessibility to music education.

The Ruth Goldstein Memorial Music Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Capital Region high schools who plan to pursue music education or performance. Offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship prioritizes students specializing in woodwind instruments, piano accompaniment, or those demonstrating financial need. Since 1968, the foundation has empowered the community through generous giving opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The Marian Settle Memorial Music Scholarship, established in 2015, honors the musical legacy of Marian Settle, a cherished educator and family member. This scholarship supports graduating seniors and current college students from Fulton, Montgomery, or Schoharie counties who plan to pursue music or music education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate active participation in music-related activities within their communities or schools. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region proudly facilitates this opportunity to empower local students.