Best Music Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

The Arts in Social Service Grants from New Mexico Arts supports organizations focused on arts-based projects that tackle social issues affecting marginalized populations such as the incarcerated, homeless, and ill. With a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, eligible organizations can renew their applications for FY2027. This initiative fosters civic dialogues through artistic activities, encouraging community involvement in vital social discussions.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

David Diaz Music From the Heart Endowment Fund

New Mexico music programs and/or music scholarships for both public and private school students.

The Judy Dudziak Endowment for Community Music Organizations aims to enhance the cultural landscape in Los Alamos by providing up to $750 in unrestricted operating support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. These grants focus on promoting appreciation for various music genres, including classical, orchestral, and choral performances. The initiative reflects a commitment to fostering community engagement through the arts and ensuring that local organizations can thrive and sustain their programs.

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Highland Orchestra Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Marjorie Fegley, honors her late husband, James E. Fegley. This fund supports Berks County residents pursuing music education, particularly in orchestral strings. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in music programs. The Berks County Community Foundation manages this fund, which contributes significantly to the local arts and education landscape, fostering musical talent in the community.

The Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Hardin County Schools, specifically Elizabethtown and LaRue County High Schools. This scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated involvement in classical orchestra or music performance, or who plan to pursue music studies, thereby fostering musical education in the community.

Loene Pooler Guthrie Scholarship Fund

The Loene P. Guthrie Scholarship fund benefits music students in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties who plan to engage in the teaching of piano, voice, and orchestral music.

This scholarship fund promotes the teaching of piano, voice and orchestral music by aiding music students in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln Counties who plan to engage in the teaching of piano, voice, and orchestral music. Students who will graduate from Linn, Benton, or Lincoln County high schools or graduates of those high schools currently studying music at an institution of higher learning may apply. The Linn-Benton Chapter of the Oregon Music Teachers Association reviews the applications and selects individuals to perform at an audition open to the public.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

Jazz Road Tours Grants provide financial support for emerging and mid-career jazz artists to develop tours across communities in the U.S. Grants up to $15,000 facilitate three-to-six site tours, focusing on underserved areas. This program, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Mellon Foundation, aims to enhance artists' income opportunities while promoting jazz in diverse venues. Applications are encouraged from individual artists, with deadlines throughout 2024 and 2025 for various tour periods.

TCF Event Support Grants

TCF Event Support Grants are provided to fund free, public, community-based events in Taos and western Colfax counties. These $500.00 grants are intended to amplify the impact of an event and help it reach a broader audience. These funds can be used for things like event materials, catering, venue space, and marketing.

Please consider the following factors when applying for an event support grant:

• Please be sure to include the specific date(s), time, and place of the event, and submit this form at least one month prior. This will allow TCF to review the grant in time and share information about the event on our newsletter/social media. TCF staff generally reviews proposals approximately one month before the date of the event.
• TCF receives far more event support grant requests than we are able to support. Please consider submitting one event support application per year by choosing the event that means the most to your organization.
• Multi-day and seasonal events, such as farmers markets and craft fairs, are eligible for event support grant funding.
• If you receive an event support grant from TCF, we encourage you to share the news! Please contact us to request a logo for your marketing materials and a banner for display at the event. We also ask that you tag us on social media at @taoscommunityfoundation.

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 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.

The Alice M. Ditson Fund offers organizational support for summer festivals and conferences focused on contemporary American classical music. This funding opportunity encourages the appreciation of works by younger, relatively unknown American composers. Eligible applicants include performing organizations and institutions that promote artistic excellence. The Fund emphasizes supporting living composers at various career stages, ensuring a broader recognition of their contributions to classical concert music. It is crucial for applicants to align their projects with the Fund's mission of enhancing public knowledge and appreciation.

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.

The Igor Gorin Memorial Award, established in 1993 by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, honors the legacy of Igor Gorin by supporting aspiring vocalists. With $382,000 awarded to 49 young talents, this fund provides unrestricted financial assistance for coaching, travel, and auditions. The 2026 award offers up to $12,000, aimed at those overcoming financial barriers to pursue operatic careers, ensuring that exceptional vocalists can thrive in their artistic journeys.

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 William F. Holmes / Frank D’Accone Dissertation Fellowship in Opera Studies, awarded by the American Musicological Society, supports dissertation research in opera studies for graduate students. Offering a stipend of $25,000, this fellowship is based on academic merit and aims to facilitate full-time study. Recipients may opt for a non-stipendiary award to allow more funding for others. Selection occurs in spring, with announcements made in summer.

Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants support the creation of new operas by women composers, promoting gender parity and diversity in the field. These grants assist composers in exploring opera as an art form, funding activities like libretto readings and workshops. OPERA America is committed to enhancing the operatic repertoire with diverse perspectives, and these grants are made possible through the support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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 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 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 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 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.

The Joanie Bostic Memorial Senior Pirate Spirit Award, established by the Decatur County Community Foundation, honors Joanie Bostic's passion for youth and Greensburg athletics. This scholarship recognizes a senior who exemplifies outstanding school spirit through participation in or support of athletics or music. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from Greensburg Community High School and submit a statement detailing their school experience and encouragement of Pirate spirit.