Best Grants for Musical Instruments in Mississippi

Nonprofit organizations in Mississippi seeking support for music, arts, or cultural programs can apply for grants from the James E Huffer And Betty J Huffer Foundation. Grants from this private foundation help fund humanitarian, educational, health sciences, environmental stewardship, and youth enrichment projects, prioritizing groups with a proven record of impactful community service.

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.

Medical students in Mississippi engaged in bioethics programs or with semiprofessional or professional involvement in music, theater, literature, dance, or other humanities can seek tuition assistance through the Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities. This Physicians of Tomorrow award from the American Medical Association Foundation provides US $10,000 and an opportunity to present for VIP donors.

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

High-achieving Beatrice High School seniors planning higher education and demonstrating strong academics can receive up to US $2,000 for tuition and related costs, with preference for music and golf involvement. Beatrice Educational Foundation supports music-focused students, which may interest Mississippi music educators seeking examples of instrument and music-related scholarship support models.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing undergraduate education and involved in music activities may receive up to US $1,000 for higher education costs, including those in Mississippi. The Beatrice Educational Foundation’s Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship favors students active in choir, band, or other music programs, with volunteer experience and at least a 3.0 GPA.

Individual music scholars seeking help with publication costs can receive up to US $2,500 to support works in music studies, including books, articles, and multimedia projects. The American Musicological Society supports expenses like illustrations, permissions, indexing, and copy-editing; Mississippi-based individuals may be eligible if they are AMS members and meet the program’s requirements.

Publishers and organizations that are members of the Coalition of Music Organizations can apply for American Musicological Society publication subventions, with awards up to US $4,000, to support works in music studies. Funding helps reduce retail prices, defray production costs, or increase accessibility for books and other scholarly resources, including projects connected to Mississippi music programs.

Sweet Adelines International provides Mississippi music groups with scholarship funding to attend Sweet Adelines-sponsored educational events. Registered Sweet Adelines quartets worldwide may be eligible for US $1,600 to cover registration, lodging, meals, and some travel for the 2026 A Cappella Academy or Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition.

Undergraduate music students focused on vocal pedagogy, music education, or composition can receive US $5,000 for tuition and fees through the Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to support music, Sweet Adelines International provides Mississippi musicians involved in barbershop or Sweet Adelines activities with funding to advance their four-year university studies.

Nonprofit performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, and record companies with a multi-year focus on contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive unrestricted operating support through this national program. Focused on music, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music invites eligible groups, including those in Mississippi, to apply for US $2,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their ongoing work.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) music organizations, presenters, ensembles, and record companies can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for special projects in contemporary American concert music and jazz. Eligible activities include performances, recordings, live streams, and related programs that deepen public appreciation of this repertoire.

Graduating high school seniors planning music studies or ensemble participation can apply for the H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, offering US $450 toward accredited two- or four-year programs. Students in Mississippi with similar music-focused academic plans may review these criteria as a reference when exploring instrument and music funding opportunities.

Mississippi music and arts students seeking post-secondary education funding may be eligible for the Dr. Alice M. Hudder–Richard T. Molder Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund, which supports high school seniors pursuing college studies in music, art, science, math, or business. Administered by Erie Community Foundation, this need-based award requires at least a 3.0 GPA.

Graduating seniors involved in athletics or music at Greensburg Community High School can receive scholarship support to further their education. With a mission to inspire local generosity, Decatur County Community Foundation provides this award to a student who demonstrates exceptional Pirate school spirit, including those whose musical involvement may relate to instrument-based activities.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

The Alvin H. Johnson AMS 50 Fellowship supports PhD candidates in music scholarship during their final dissertation year. Awarded based on academic merit, it offers a $25,000 stipend for full-time study, with no tuition coverage. Applicants must be registered doctoral students in good standing at North American universities, having completed all requirements except the dissertation. The fellowship emphasizes timely completion, discouraging extensive employment during the term, and is non-renewable.

The AMS Explore Travel Grant supports current or recent undergraduate students to present 10-minute papers at the 2025 AMS-SMT Joint Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. Participants will engage in cohort activities, receive constructive feedback, and enjoy a supportive conference environment. Accepted applicants will benefit from complimentary registration, a $350 travel grant, and shared lodging in the conference hotel, enhancing their academic experience and involvement in the AMS community.