Best Music Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana that present public music or cultural events can receive funding to hire Louisiana-based performers through the Jazz & Heritage Presenting program. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation offers grants up to US $7,500 to support festivals and other performances that celebrate and interpret Louisiana culture.

Louisiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools serving grades 9–12, religious groups, and government agencies that provide direct, ongoing services to low-income residents can apply for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Community Outreach Ticket Program. This program offers free Jazz Fest tickets to expand access to a major Louisiana music festival for clients who otherwise could not attend.

Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana offering after-school or summer arts education can receive up to US $7,500 to pay professional teaching fees for music, arts, and cultural traditions programs. Grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation support music and broader arts education initiatives that reflect and interpret Louisiana culture.

Louisiana nonprofits, schools, colleges, universities, and government agencies planning arts projects in Louisiana can seek funding for music creation, performance, or presentation through the Louisiana Division of the Arts’ Louisiana Project Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $7,500. Louisiana music organizations can access funding through Louisiana Division of the Arts for community-focused arts projects across multiple disciplines, including music.

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.

Louisiana K–12 schools and arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $7,500 to support in-school or after-school music, arts, and cultural traditions education. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation funds instruments, repairs, sheet music, visual art supplies, and related materials, with all funded activities and spending taking place in Louisiana.

Opera, symphony, and similar civic 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana seeking capital items can apply for support, with priority given to California-based groups. With a mission rooted in animal protection, land and wildlife conservation, agriculture, and the arts, the T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation offers up to US $50,000 for specific acquisitions rather than operating costs.

Louisiana arts and cultural nonprofits with U.S.-based 501(c)(3) status and audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture programs. Support includes program, capital, and limited general or endowment funding for institutions like museums, symphonies, opera, theaters, and arts education or artist development initiatives, including music-related work.

Music students pursuing orchestral string degrees can receive scholarship support through the Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, including those from Louisiana studying in the U.S. With a mission to help donors achieve charitable goals, Berks County Community Foundation provides scholarships for higher education in music performance and education.

Music students pursuing teaching careers in piano, voice, or orchestral music can receive scholarship support through the Benton Community Foundation. Focused on music education, the Loene Pooler Guthrie Scholarship Fund invites eligible students from Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties to apply; Louisiana music nonprofits may benefit by encouraging local students with ties to these areas.

Nonprofit organizations running arts, education, environment, or health and wellness projects or events in Louisiana communities near Stantec offices can apply for the Stantec Community Engagement Grant. Funding may support community projects, initiatives, or events such as performances, festivals, or arts education activities that align with Stantec’s values and focus areas.

Louisiana music students pursuing accredited 2- or 4-year colleges can access funding through the Legacy Foundation Highland Orchestra Scholarship for full-time undergraduate study. Awards of US $500 support tuition or books and are paid directly to the school or used for book reimbursement, benefiting students involved in orchestra and related music programs.

Graduating high school seniors involved in classical orchestra, music performance, or planning to study music can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship. Central Kentucky Community Foundation provides this opportunity, and Louisiana students meeting the listed school and music criteria may be eligible if they attend the specified high schools.

Individual singing actors ages 19–32 working in lyric theater and music performance, including those based in Louisiana, can apply for the international Lotte Lenya Competition, with prizes ranging from US $750 - US $25,000. Grants from Kurt Weill Foundation for Music reward fully acted, idiomatic performances across musical theater, opera, and related repertoire.

Louisiana music nonprofits, performing ensembles, institutions, summer festivals, and conferences can access funding through the Alice M. Ditson Fund to present contemporary American classical concert music by younger and relatively unknown living composers. Organizations may apply directly or via a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, including U.S. territories and certain international projects featuring eligible American composers.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

Kenneth E. & Mary Lou Dunbar Scholarship to Honor Perry & Dunbar Employees

Amount:

• $1,500 | 1 scholarship

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are NOT covered.

The More Joy Community Arts Grant supports initiatives that engage the New Orleans community through parading, public performances, and street-based activities rooted in local traditions. This grant aims to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, particularly focusing on the contributions of Black Masking Indians and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. By funding exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, the grant fosters community spirit and brings joy to neighborhoods through artistic expression.

Women opera composers in the U.S. developing new works can apply for OPERA America's Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants, which offer up to US $15,000 for activities like libretto readings, workshops, and working performances. Louisiana music organizations collaborating with eligible women composers on new opera projects may benefit.

The Alice M. Ditson Fund provides organizational support for professional performing ensembles and institutions committed to advancing the work of younger and relatively unknown living American composers. Grants are available for general operating or project support, emphasizing contemporary American classical concert music. Eligibility includes organizations without non-profit status if sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity, while projects featuring American music are prioritized. This funding opportunity encourages innovative performances and fosters greater recognition of emerging talents in the classical music sphere.

Professional U.S.-based jazz artists and artist-led groups planning multi-stop tours can receive up to US $15,000 for performances, travel, lodging, and related touring costs in Louisiana and nationwide. Grants from South Arts help bring jazz into rural and underserved communities through public performances in venues ranging from clubs and festivals to community centers and colleges.

Graduating high school seniors in Louisiana pursuing music or other visual and performing arts degrees can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support undergraduate study through this scholarship. National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People provides U.S. student members with non-renewable awards for accredited college programs in fields like music, dance, film, journalism, and related disciplines.

Gifted early-career opera vocalists needing support for auditions and career-launch expenses may be eligible for this operatic award, including applicants connected to key Western U.S. opera programs, while based in Louisiana. Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s Igor Gorin Memorial Award offers up to US $12,000 in unrestricted funding for coaching, travel, living costs, and related needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions can seek up to US $1,000 to support small community-enriching projects, including music festivals and performances, in select Amcor Flexibles communities. Grants from Amcor Cares Foundation help Louisiana music nonprofits and other local groups fund events, youth activities, and educational enrichment in eligible parishes.

Full-time doctoral students at North American universities working on opera studies dissertations can receive support for a year of focused research and writing. American Musicological Society provides a US $25,000 stipend for academic merit, which may benefit Louisiana-based music scholars whose work advances opera-related scholarship.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

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 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.