Best Music Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

The Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, aims to support young singers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, or Music Composition. Named after a cherished former president, this scholarship provides $5,000 USD to assist with tuition and fees. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to barbershop music, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and provide letters of reference. This initiative reflects the organization's dedication to fostering musical talent and education within the community.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The ACFM Project Support Program offers funding between $2,000 and $20,000 for special projects that enhance public appreciation of contemporary American concert music and jazz. Eligible applicants include performing ensembles and music organizations with a minimum of two years of programming history. Projects must focus on contemporary works by American composers and can involve live performances, recordings, or educational initiatives. This support is pivotal for fostering innovation and creativity in the American music scene.

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.

Hungry for Music

The Hungry for Music story began in 1992, when Founder and Director Jeff Campbell (in photo) organized a street musician concert to benefit the homeless. Within three years, he formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to expanding opportunities in music for children.

Since then, Hungry for Music has placed more than 27,000 instruments into the hands of aspiring musicians. Children whose trajectory has been altered by the uplifting and life-changing gift of music.

We've delivered everything from guitars and trombones to violins and xylophones to kids in 50 states and 35 countries.

We collect and redistribute more than 2,000 instruments annually and, in our 31-year journey, we've become a full-time force for good in the musical community.

Request an Instrument

Hungry for Music collects and distributes instruments including brass, woodwinds, strings, electric keyboards, drums and other percussion, as well as amps and accessories.

Who Hungry for Music Helps

• Music teachers at Title One schools who identify children who cannot participate because of lack of funding.
• Music directors at innovative after-school music programs.
• Social workers who have young clients who would benefit from music therapy.

We only accept requests from public school music teachers, administrators, after-school/summer music program directors, and social workers. 

In our history, we have supported music programs in 40 different countries through stateside sponsors (i.e. business, school, church). We do not accept requests directly from international programs.

Social Workers & School Counselors

Social workers and school counselors can submit a request application for a student if they have access to instruction through a music program. 

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.

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.

The Affiliate Grants - Early Music Program Fund supports educational initiatives for AMS-affiliated groups focusing on music and culture from before 1600. Established in 2020, it enhances research skills through various programming, including paleography and organology. Eligible applicants are limited to AMS chapters, study groups, and committees, with funding capped at $2000. The program aims to strengthen scholarly networks and requires grant reporting on fund usage and impact.

The American Musicological Society offers Affiliate Grants to support study group activities with up to $500 in funding, covering no more than 50% of total costs. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on August 1 and January 15. Only elected representatives of AMS study groups can apply, and groups may receive funding only once in a twelve-month period. Funds must be utilized within a year of the award date.

The Affiliate Grants - Chapter Activities Fund, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides financial support for chapter activities and programs. Each chapter can request up to $500, covering no more than 50% of total costs. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with deadlines of August 1 for summer and January 15 for winter. Notably, chapters can only receive funding once per twelve-month period, ensuring fair distribution of resources.

The Affiliate Grants - Guest Speaker Fund, provided by the American Musicological Society, offers financial assistance to AMS committees and study groups inviting external speakers to the Annual Meeting. Grants up to $1,500 cover travel expenses and honoraria for invited guests, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration within musicology. Applications must be submitted by group representatives, and the deadline precedes the standard proposal deadlines for committee activities. This program encourages enriching discussions by including diverse voices from outside the field.

The K–12 Educators Grants in American Music, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 awards to K-12 educators with an interest in American music to attend the Teaching Music History Conference. This grant supports educators in engaging with historical pedagogy through workshops and networking opportunities. Participants will explore American music's significance while developing actionable lesson plans, fostering connections among educators and researchers committed to enhancing music education.