Best Grants for Musical Instruments

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

General Operating (GOS) Support Grant Program

Strengthening the state’s cultural infrastructure

The General Operating Support (GOS) grant program provides funding for Kansas public and private non-profit arts and cultural organizations, including museums, local arts councils and commissions, statewide arts and cultural service organizations, and organizations that have cultural program activities in any of the art and cultural disciplines (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms). The organization’s mission must directly support arts and cultural programming.

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

The Nick Andros Music Scholarship, established by the family and friends of Nick Andros, honors his passion for music and positive inspiration. This scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate Nick's spirit through their dedication to the arts. Eligible candidates must be high school seniors from Saginaw County with a minimum GPA of 2.0, pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applicants are required to submit an MP3 of their work, showcasing their musical talents.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Liliana Marie Cordes Scholarship Fund

Supporting Hampshire County residents studying music; preference for high school seniors that are residents of South Hadley

The Central Dade Arts Alliance Grant, under The Miami Foundation, aims to enhance arts education for approximately 3,500 students across Central Dade neighborhoods. Launching in the 2026-2027 school year, it focuses on collaborative partnerships with local organizations to provide high-quality arts instruction, particularly in music. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a proven service record in Miami-Dade County, emphasizing operational capacity and measurable outcomes. This initiative builds on previous successful alliances in North and South Dade.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) provides publication subventions to support music scholarship. With an annual budget of approximately $80,000, these funds assist institutions and individuals, particularly those in the Coalition of Music Organizations, in covering publication costs and enhancing accessibility. Grants are available for various formats including books and articles, promoting diversity in music studies and ensuring that scholarly works can reach a wider audience.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) offers publication subventions to individuals for music studies-related works. With an annual funding of approximately $80,000, the AMS supports authors and editors in covering costs such as illustrations, translations, and copy-editing. Eligible applicants must be AMS members and can request up to $2,500, provided they haven't received funding in the last three years. This initiative promotes scholarly contributions and embraces innovative projects across all career stages.

The Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship offers financial support to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School, with one to three scholarships available totaling up to $1,000. Administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this initiative aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. The foundation, established in 1987, supports academic achievement and civic involvement in the community. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate ethical scholarship application practices.

The Hays, Colin, Legacy Scholarship, administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers financial assistance to deserving graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. With one to three scholarships available, totaling no more than $2,000, applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This initiative supports students in their pursuit of higher education, fostering academic excellence and community engagement in the Beatrice School District.

The California Retired Teachers Association Division 55 Hilmer Finne Music Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports high school and college students in Mendocino County pursuing music studies. Established in honor of Hilmer and Vivian Finne, this scholarship aims to promote musical involvement and excellence among local students. Eligible applicants must have a weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to music throughout their high school years.

The Fionna and Richard Perkins Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports women on the Mendocino Coast who are returning to higher education after being in the workforce. This scholarship aims to empower local women pursuing their educational goals, particularly those involved in music. With no GPA requirement and a focus on arts and technical education, it encourages all eligible applicants to apply and further their academic dreams.

The Marvin Lehrman Music Scholarship Fund, established by Mildred Lehrman, supports high school seniors in Mendocino County who are passionate about music. This fund encourages students to pursue their education at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County oversees this scholarship, which emphasizes financial need and a commitment to music through performance or composition. It aims to foster the next generation of musicians and support their academic goals.

Next Jazz Legacy is a mentorship program that supports emerging jazz artists through intergenerational mentorship, performance opportunities, and professional networking. Funded by the Mellon Foundation and led by renowned artist Terri Lyne Carrington, the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support package to seven artists annually from 2025 to 2027. Awardees will receive financial investment, mentorship, and learning opportunities to help them thrive in their careers and contribute to a vibrant jazz future.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Roy W Hill Music Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, provides two four-year scholarships annually for graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas counties who plan to major in music. This scholarship not only supports students financially but also encourages community involvement through a requirement of forty hours of community service each year. Recipients must maintain their academic progress and submit updates to retain their award.

The Stella Knoebel and Mary Jean Carter Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, aims to support passionate piano and organ students pursuing a college degree in music education. This scholarship honors the legacy of Stella Knoebel and Mary Jean Carter, who dedicated their lives to music education. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or non-traditional students from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, enrolled full-time in an accredited educational program in Washington.

The Doell Family Scholarship, established by the children of Bill and Mildred Doell, honors their parents' commitment to education and community service in North Central Washington. This scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties who plan to pursue a degree in journalism or music. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need and academic potential, ensuring that the legacy of the Doell family continues to inspire future generations.

The Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship supports local students aged 19 and under who are passionate about music and committed to furthering their education in the arts. Established in memory of Gary Wilmer, founder of RAM Magazine, this scholarship honors his legacy by providing financial assistance to aspiring musicians in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County. Applicants are required to submit an audition recording and a reference from a music teacher to demonstrate their dedication to musical excellence.

The Syracuse Sounds of Music Association Grant aims to enhance the music scene in Central New York by supporting non-profit organizations that provide music programming and education. This initiative focuses on six counties, including Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, and Oswego, fostering community engagement through diverse musical activities. By funding these programs, the association promotes the creation and appreciation of music, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape for all residents.

The Ramiro Cortes Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of composer Ramiro Cortés, who was a pioneering Mexican-American musician. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas counties who are pursuing full-time music studies. Funded entirely by concert proceeds, it aims to foster new talent in classical music while commemorating Cortés’ significant contributions to the field.

The Everett & Roy Hill Music Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties who are pursuing further education in music. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of musical education, reflecting the philanthropic spirit of Everett Hill, who aimed to enrich his community. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to continue receiving support for up to two years.

The Manatee Community Foundation offers competitive grants aimed at enhancing arts and culture for youth in the community. Their mission focuses on supporting youth music, theater, dance programs, and public art projects, alongside promoting arts access for underrepresented groups. With a commitment to inclusivity and community growth, they prioritize organizations that have demonstrated success and strong governance. The foundation has invested over $65 million in local communities, emphasizing sustainable practices and addressing the needs of Manatee County residents.

The Back to Better: Creative Resilience Grants aim to support independent artists and creative business owners in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon Counties, who are still facing challenges due to the pandemic. Funded by the ARPA Pennsylvania Arts and Culture Recovery initiative, these $3,000 grants provide essential financial assistance to help stabilize their practices, adapt to new realities, and reinvigorate their artistic endeavors, fostering resilience and community recovery.

The Olga Seiser Vincent Music Scholarship, funded by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in music, particularly piano, within Bexar County. This scholarship aims to assist current high school seniors and college students who demonstrate financial need. Notably, preference is given to female applicants, ensuring opportunities for underrepresented groups in the field of music. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.5 GPA.

The Knight Family Charitable Foundation, established by Peg and Bill Knight, focuses on enhancing community welfare through humanitarian support, education, and the arts. It aims to protect native wildlife and their habitats while promoting projects aligned with its mission. The foundation continues the legacy of giving back, inspired by the Knights' lifelong commitment to community service. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations are eligible for support, fostering initiatives that resonate with the foundation's vision.

The Lowell Hill, Virginia Wilson Hill and Pegine Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2022 by Virginia Tameron Hedge, honors her grandparents and mother, emphasizing the importance of education and community service. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this renewable scholarship targets students pursuing degrees in education, the arts, and historic preservation, particularly within the 40 counties served by CFMT, with a preference for applicants from Bedford and Williamson counties.

The Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship, administered by the American Musicological Society, supports graduate students from historically underrepresented groups at U.S. or Canadian universities. Established to enhance diversity in musicology, it offers a $25,000 stipend for one year of full-time study. Applicants are expected to have completed at least one year of graduate work and demonstrate academic excellence. The fellowship encourages institutions to provide additional financial support, fostering a vibrant academic community.

The Larson Family Scholarship, established in 2018 by the Larson family through the Siouxland Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from East, North, or West High Schools in Sioux City, Iowa. This scholarship aims to assist music majors pursuing a post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Preference is given to vocal music majors, and applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible. This initiative honors Robert and Margaret Larson's passion for music while benefiting the community.