Best Grants for Music Education in Maryland

Grants from California Casualty help Maryland K-12 public schools fund music and arts needs with awards of US $300. Active employees who are members of a state NEA affiliate or participating educator associations can apply to support schoolwide programs or classroom projects where music or arts funding is in jeopardy or greatly needed.

Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in Maryland can access funding for after-school and summer academic enrichment and arts programs, including music education, through the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grant. Grants from the Maryland State Department of Education range from US $50,000 - US $400,000 to support students from low-performing schools and their families.

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.

Students pursuing music education studies in Maryland can apply for the Mildred E. Troske Music Scholarship to support higher education costs. Focused on music education, Grand Rapids Community Foundation prioritizes applicants with significant financial need, though all eligible students may be considered through its broader scholarship process.

Students studying music with a concentration in viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol can receive scholarship support for their education, with preference for those with high financial need. Grand Rapids Community Foundation offers this opportunity to support string-focused music education, which may benefit Maryland students pursuing advanced musical training.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need can receive scholarship support for higher education. With a mission to support students’ educational goals, Stanislaus Community Foundation provides a US $1,000 Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship, with preference for applicants who show a strong background in music.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing music studies can apply for the Austen Marie Path to Music Memorial Scholarship, offering up to US $5,000 for higher education. Though administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada and limited to Nevada graduates, Maryland music education programs may know eligible students with Nevada ties.

Young aspiring musicians with financial need in Maryland seeking support for music education expenses may be eligible for the Keith Brabant Music Scholarship, which can fund college, lessons, instruments, books, or music camps. With a mission to assist dedicated students, Northern New York Community Foundation provides flexible music-related support that may benefit Maryland learners.

Maryland music education organizations should note this is a scholarship, not a program grant: students from Madison or Culpeper County public high schools, or local students already in college pursuing an arts major, can apply for the Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship from Northern Piedmont Community Foundation. Eligible fields include music, visual, theater, culinary, and other creative arts.

Students pursuing music education in Maryland may be eligible for scholarships supporting music instruction and music majors offered through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation in New York. Grants from Chautauqua Region Community Foundation help music education students with costs such as private lessons or higher education when they meet the foundation’s Chautauqua County residency and music study requirements.

High school seniors in Maryland pursuing visual or performing arts degrees can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 through the NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship. NAACP provides U.S. student artists with non-renewable support for accredited undergraduate study, and Maryland students interested in music education or related arts fields may be eligible.

High school seniors pursuing post-secondary music education or performance and living in areas where Singing Dutchmen members reside can receive support for tuition or related college costs. Focused on music education, Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies offers approximately US $1,000 through the Gloria Anderson Memorial Scholarship, which may benefit Maryland students 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).

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.

Paul & Frances Monroe Music Scholarship Award

Rising sophomore, junior, or senior; Graduated from a high school in Cumberland, Richmond, Robeson, or Scotland County.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship

The Community Foundation, CoroRio, and MidSouth Music Institute is pleased to offer a $500 college scholarship: The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship. We are grateful to Reese and Joelle Norris for more than ten years of service to CoroRio and the MidSouth Music Institute. Together, they have nearly 50 years of teaching thousands of all ages throughout the MidSouth and across the country.

Starting in the Spring of 2024, the scholarship will be awarded each year to a student who is currently involved in CoroRio, plans to pursue a career related to music, and has demonstrated a passion for serving others through music, like Reese and Joelle. 

The Clarence and Bonnie Shaffer Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support students affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church pursuing post-secondary education in ministry, music ministry, or education. Preference is given to first-year undergraduates, but graduate students may also qualify if no undergraduates apply. This scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational opportunities within the community.

Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000. 

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.

The Dale & Delores Willi Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides financial support to students from Hudson High School or homeschool programs who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to pursue music in college. This scholarship awards $2,000 per year for up to two years, focusing on applicants who demonstrate financial need and a strong passion for music, thereby aiding their academic and musical development.

The Jill B. Whiting Scholarship, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports graduating seniors from Central Dauphin High School and Central Dauphin East High School pursuing music or music education studies. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate community service and leadership, and show financial need. This scholarship honors Jill B. Whiting's legacy as a dedicated music volunteer and aims to foster artistic talent in the local community.

The Peter C. Sotus, M.D. Scholarship is part of the Erie Community Foundation's initiative that awarded over $800,000 in scholarships in 2023 to support students pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship targets high school seniors accepted into accredited institutions, focusing on careers in medicine or music. Preference is given to students born outside the US or children of non-US born parents. This award encourages diversity and support for aspiring professionals.