Best Grants for Musical Instruments in Ohio

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, hospitals, clinics, and tribal organizations in Ohio can receive US $2,000 - US $15,000 to run arts and wellness projects, including performances, workshops, and clinical programs. Grants from Arts Midwest may help music-focused programs purchase or use instruments while engaging professional artists in at least two activities between December 2025 and June 2026.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to support activities aligned with the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML). Each academic department can apply for up to $1500 for on-campus visits by guest lecturers or performers, promoting collaboration and communication with the IML. Priority is given to departments that did not receive funding last year. A limited number of grants are awarded annually, ensuring impactful experiences for students.

College-bound student musicians in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County can receive scholarship support to further their musical education and participation in school or community music groups. With a mission to support local students, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides funding based on musical commitment, recorded auditions, and a music teacher reference, which may help with instrument-related costs.

Medical students in the U.S. engaged in bioethics programs or semiprofessional/professional work in the humanities can receive $10,000 in tuition assistance through the Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities from the American Medical Association Foundation. Ohio students whose medical training intersects with music or other arts may be especially interested.

Emerging jazz improvisers ages 21–35 in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy support, receiving US $10,000 for career development plus intensive mentorship and performance opportunities. This national program offers apprenticeships with master bandleaders, business and creative mentoring, cohort learning, and festival showcases that may benefit musicians seeking instruments and other professional tools.

High-achieving graduating seniors pursuing higher education can receive up to US $2,000 for tuition and related costs, with a preference for students involved in music and other school or community activities. The Beatrice Educational Foundation’s Hays, Colin, Legacy Scholarship supports one to three students, with strong academics and civic engagement, who may include Ohio-bound college freshmen.

Graduating Beatrice High School seniors pursuing undergraduate study and needing financial help can receive up to US $1,000 for tuition, room and board, or books from the Beatrice Educational Foundation. Preference goes to students involved in choir, band, jazz band, or other music programs, which may interest Ohio readers seeking music-related support ideas.

Individual music scholars preparing publications in Ohio can receive up to US $2,500 to cover production costs such as illustrations, musical examples, permissions, indexing, and related expenses. The American Musicological Society supports music studies projects at all career stages, including works using newer technologies and non-print media formats.

Publishers and organizations that are members of the Coalition of Music Organizations, including those in Ohio, can apply for American Musicological Society institutional subventions, with awards up to US $4,000, to support music scholarship publications. Funding can reduce retail prices, defray production costs, or increase accessibility of books and other resources.

Sweet Adelines quartets in Ohio can receive scholarship funding to attend Sweet Adelines-sponsored educational events, including the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the 2026 Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition. The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship from Sweet Adelines International awards US $1,600 per quartet to cover registration, lodging, meals, and some travel.

Undergraduate music students pursuing vocal pedagogy, music education, or composition can receive US $5,000 for tuition and fees through the Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, open to Sweet Adelines–affiliated singers, including those in Ohio. Sweet Adelines International supports barbershop-involved students with strong academics, musical talent, and leadership potential at four-year universities.

Nonprofit performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, and record companies with a strong track record in contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive unrestricted operating support, including for performances and recordings, in Ohio and nationwide. Focused on music, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music offers US $2,000 - US $20,000 to deepen public engagement with contemporary American works.

Ohio 501(c)(3) music and performing arts organizations with at least two years of professional programming can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support awards of US $2,000 - US $20,000 to fund special projects in contemporary American concert music or jazz. Eligible activities include performances, recordings, live streams, residencies, and related programs that deepen public appreciation of this music, which may include instrument-focused projects.

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 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.

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.

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

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The Ethel Zwiebel Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the North State, supports Shasta County students majoring in music who demonstrate financial need. This award is open to graduating high school seniors and Shasta College students completing their two-year music program. By fostering educational goals, this scholarship aims to empower young musicians to pursue their passion for music in higher education.

The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

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 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.

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of music. It offers free, live music programs across the United States and Canada, ensuring access to quality musical experiences for diverse communities. Funded by royalties from major record labels, the MPTF collaborates with local arts organizations to promote music education and performance, enriching lives through the power of music at no cost to attendees.

The We Are Moving The Needle Scholarship supports women, trans, and non-binary creators in the music industry by offering two full scholarships for a masterclass with GRAMMY-nominated producer Alissia in Paris. This initiative aims to empower underrepresented voices through education and mentorship, fostering a more inclusive music industry. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops designed to enhance their production skills and gain insights from a leading industry professional, contributing to lasting cultural change.