Best Grants for Musical Instruments in New Hampshire

Organizations using music as an educational tool in New Hampshire can receive up to US $10,000 to support music education programs and opportunities. Music Drives Us, part of the Boch Family Foundation, funds institutions such as schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs, especially where music education funding has been cut or is unavailable.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering music or cultural programs that benefit Maine learners, including those in New Hampshire, can apply for Davis Family Foundation project grants. Funding supports innovative, time-limited education, medical, or cultural/arts initiatives, so New Hampshire music organizations with Maine-focused programming may be eligible for instrument or related project support.

Schools and nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire needing instruments to start or strengthen music programs can apply for the Music Drives Us Instrument Grant. Grants from Music Drives Us help music education programs obtain brand-new instruments through an approved vendor, supporting public and private schools, charter schools, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and similar institutions.

New Hampshire music education and performing organizations, as well as Greater Manchester students pursuing undergraduate music degrees, can receive support for music study and programming. Grants from Marion C. Smyth Trust help New Hampshire music groups provide education, enrichment, and enjoyment, which may include acquiring instruments and related resources for their work.

New England musicians offering free, educational music performances in schools, after-school programs, or public spaces can apply for funding from Boch Family Foundation dba Music Drives Us, with awards up to US $10,000. With a mission to support music in New Hampshire and across the region, this grant helps compensate performers’ time and expenses.

New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital support for music, arts, social services, or conservation projects may be eligible for this grant. The Madelaine G. von Weber Trust funds well-conceived, often energy-efficient or leverageable projects that create lasting impact, which can include instrument purchases or other music-related capital needs in New Hampshire.

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.

Emerging jazz artists ages 21–35 in New Hampshire and across the U.S. can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy support, with US $10,000 for career development. The program offers mentorship, apprenticeships with master bandleaders, cohort learning, Berklee Online coursework, and performance showcases to advance professional jazz careers.

High-achieving Beatrice High School seniors seeking undergraduate education support can receive up to US $2,000 for college costs through this scholarship, with a national scope including New Hampshire. Beatrice Educational Foundation favors applicants active in community service and school activities, with added preference for participation in music and/or golf.

Beatrice High School graduating seniors pursuing undergraduate study and needing help with higher education costs can receive up to US $1,000 through this music-focused scholarship, with preference for choir, band, jazz, or other music participants. Beatrice Educational Foundation also favors applicants active in volunteer organizations and members of St. John Lutheran Church; New Hampshire students are not eligible.

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 AMS members in New Hampshire and across the U.S. with expenses like illustrations, permissions, indexing, and multimedia materials.

Publishers and organizations that are members of the Coalition of Music Organizations can apply for American Musicological Society institutional subventions of up to US $4,000 to support music studies publications. Funding helps reduce retail prices, defray production costs, or improve accessibility, which may benefit New Hampshire music organizations producing scholarly resources.

Sweet Adelines quartets in New Hampshire can receive funding to attend Sweet Adelines-sponsored educational events, with awards of US $1,600 for registration, lodging, meals, and some travel costs. The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship supports eligible, officially registered quartets that meet membership, competition, and recommendation requirements, including participation and scoring benchmarks in recent regional contests.

Undergraduate music students focused on vocal pedagogy, music education, or composition who are active in barbershop or Sweet Adelines activities in New Hampshire can receive support for their degrees. With a mission to empower singers, Sweet Adelines International provides US $5,000 scholarships to help cover tuition and fees 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 seek unrestricted operating support through this program. Focused on music, the Aaron Copland Fund invites U.S. organizations, including those in New Hampshire, to apply for awards of US $2,000 - US $20,000.

Music nonprofits, ensembles, presenters, service organizations, and record companies in New Hampshire can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for discrete projects in contemporary American concert music and jazz. Eligible activities include performances, recordings, livestreams, residencies, and related programs that deepen public appreciation of this music.

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 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.

The Hearing Health Fund, part of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in collaboration with Sweetwater, aims to support musicians and music industry professionals facing hearing difficulties. This initiative addresses the auditory risks inherent in the music industry due to exposure to loud sounds. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and prove that a significant portion of their income comes from music-related work, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by hearing challenges.

The Suzanne G. Cusick Professional Development Fund, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 grants to support low-income scholars in music and sound studies. These grants aim to enhance professional development for independent scholars and contingent faculty who lack access to such opportunities. The fund emphasizes equitable participation, particularly for historically under-represented groups, ensuring a diverse range of recipients can benefit from this vital support.