Best Music Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

501(c)(3) music, opera, symphony, and similar civic organizations in Tennessee seeking capital funding can apply for grants up to US $50,000. The T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation supports acquisition of specific capital items, prioritizing California-based groups but open to qualified U.S. nonprofits with at least two years of effective service.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Tennessee offering arts, music, opera, symphony, or museum programming can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs or capital needs. With a mission to strengthen cultural access, William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with support for arts education, artist development, and impactful STEAM initiatives serving broad audiences.

Music students planning careers teaching piano, voice, or orchestral music in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties can receive scholarship support through the Loene Pooler Guthrie Scholarship Fund. With a mission to advance music education, Benton Community Foundation backs individual students whose training may ultimately benefit school and community music programs, including those in Tennessee-style nonprofit settings.

Tennessee arts and culture nonprofits running community projects or events in areas like music, symphony, visual arts, or museums can access funding through Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant. Organizations near Stantec offices that advance arts, education, environment, or health and wellness may be eligible for support with short- or long-term initiatives or community events.

Tennessee music students focused on orchestral strings can access funding through Berks County Community Foundation to pursue undergraduate music degrees or certificates. This scholarship supports residents who are active in school or community music programs and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and previous recipients may reapply if they remain eligible.

Students pursuing music or orchestra studies at accredited 2- or 4-year colleges can receive US $500 through the Highland Orchestra Scholarship, available to full-time undergraduates, including those from Tennessee. Legacy Foundation pays awards directly to schools or for book reimbursement, with some scholarships renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Graduating high school seniors involved in classical orchestra, music performance, or planning to study music can receive scholarship support for higher education from Central Kentucky Community Foundation. While based in Kentucky, this scholarship may benefit Tennessee students who meet the specific school and music participation requirements outlined for the Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship.

Individual singing actors ages 19–32 can compete for US $750 - US $25,000 in performance prizes through this international lyric theater competition, including applicants from Tennessee. Grants from the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music help emerging and advanced performers showcase excellence in music, opera, and theater repertoire on a global stage.

High school seniors pursuing science or music-related degrees can receive scholarship support for tuition and required college expenses, usable by students in Tennessee and nationwide. The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County supports music-focused higher education; applicants must show academic achievement, extracurricular or community involvement, financial need, and acceptance to an accredited two- or four-year institution.

Graduating high school seniors in Tennessee who are NAACP members and pursuing visual or performing arts degrees can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for undergraduate study. Grants from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People support full-time students at accredited U.S. colleges, which may benefit music-focused nonprofits nurturing college-bound artists.

Professional U.S.-based jazz artists and artist-led ensembles can apply for South Arts’ Jazz Road Tours grants, offering up to US $15,000 for multi-stop touring performances across the country, including Tennessee. Funding covers performance fees, travel, lodging, meals, and backline, with a focus on rural and underserved communities and public performances at eligible venues.

Women opera composers developing new works in Tennessee can receive support for activities like libretto readings, workshops, and working performances through OPERA America’s Discovery Grants, funded by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. These U.S.-wide grants offer up to US $15,000 to advance gender parity and diversity in opera creation.

Music nonprofits and professional performing organizations in Tennessee planning summer festivals or conferences of contemporary American classical concert music can seek organizational support to present works by younger and relatively unknown living American composers. The Alice M. Ditson Fund also allows fiscally sponsored groups and institutions central to contemporary music to apply.

Individual young opera vocalists needing support for early-career expenses can apply for the Igor Gorin Memorial Award, offering up to US $12,000 in unrestricted funding. Administered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, eligible applicants include recent participants in select major opera young artist and training programs, and funds may cover coaching, travel, living, and audition costs.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals can apply for Levitt Festival Grants to support 2026 events. Focused on live music and community-building in outdoor spaces, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation offers up to US $5,000 to help expand public access to inclusive music experiences.

Full-time doctoral students at North American universities conducting dissertation research in opera studies can receive support to complete their dissertations. Grants from American Musicological Society help music scholars, including those connected to Tennessee institutions, with a year-long US $25,000 stipend for focused, full-time dissertation work in opera.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited educational institutions can receive up to US $1,000 for small community-enriching projects such as music festivals, youth clubs, and school or community events. The Amcor Cares Foundation supports K–12 education enrichment, arts and culture, conservation, animal welfare, and local festivals in eligible communities.

Tennessee music nonprofits and professional performing ensembles presenting contemporary American classical concert works can access funding through the Alice M. Ditson Fund for general operating or project support. Organizations must feature living American composers in classical concert music, including opera, dance with live contemporary music, or orchestral and chamber ensembles; fiscal sponsorship is allowed when needed.

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).

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $450 scholarship to a graduating senior from Marshfield High School pursuing music studies. Applicants must submit their transcripts, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, and provide a letter of recommendation from their music teacher. The scholarship application period will reopen on January 1, 2026, for the 2026–27 academic year, aiming to support students in achieving their educational goals.

The ACFM Project Support Program offers funding between $2,000 and $20,000 for special projects that enhance public appreciation of contemporary American concert music and jazz. Eligible applicants include performing ensembles and music organizations with a minimum of two years of programming history. Projects must focus on contemporary works by American composers and can involve live performances, recordings, or educational initiatives. This support is pivotal for fostering innovation and creativity in the American music scene.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

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 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.

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.