Best Music Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

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.

501(c)(3) music, opera, symphony, and similar civic organizations in Tennessee seeking capital funding can apply for grants up to US $50,000. The T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation supports acquisition of specific capital items, prioritizing California-based groups but open to qualified U.S. nonprofits with at least two years of effective service.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Tennessee offering arts, music, opera, symphony, or museum programming can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs or capital needs. With a mission to strengthen cultural access, William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with support for arts education, artist development, and impactful STEAM initiatives serving broad audiences.

Music students planning careers teaching piano, voice, or orchestral music in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties can receive scholarship support through the Loene Pooler Guthrie Scholarship Fund. With a mission to advance music education, Benton Community Foundation backs individual students whose training may ultimately benefit school and community music programs, including those in Tennessee-style nonprofit settings.

Tennessee arts and culture nonprofits running community projects or events in areas like music, symphony, visual arts, or museums can access funding through Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant. Organizations near Stantec offices that advance arts, education, environment, or health and wellness may be eligible for support with short- or long-term initiatives or community events.

Tennessee music students focused on orchestral strings can access funding through Berks County Community Foundation to pursue undergraduate music degrees or certificates. This scholarship supports residents who are active in school or community music programs and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and previous recipients may reapply if they remain eligible.

Graduating high school seniors involved in classical orchestra, music performance, or planning to study music can receive scholarship support for higher education from Central Kentucky Community Foundation. While based in Kentucky, this scholarship may benefit Tennessee students who meet the specific school and music participation requirements outlined for the Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship.

Students pursuing music or orchestra studies at accredited 2- or 4-year colleges can receive US $500 through the Highland Orchestra Scholarship, available to full-time undergraduates, including those from Tennessee. Legacy Foundation pays awards directly to schools or for book reimbursement, with some scholarships renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Individual singing actors ages 19–32 can compete for US $750 - US $25,000 in performance prizes through this international lyric theater competition, including applicants from Tennessee. Grants from the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music help emerging and advanced performers showcase excellence in music, opera, and theater repertoire on a global stage.

Graduating high school seniors in Tennessee who are NAACP members and pursuing visual or performing arts degrees can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for undergraduate study. Grants from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People support full-time students at accredited U.S. colleges, which may benefit music-focused nonprofits nurturing college-bound artists.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals can apply for Levitt Festival Grants to support 2026 events. Focused on live music and community-building in outdoor spaces, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation offers up to US $5,000 to help expand public access to inclusive music experiences.

Individual young opera vocalists needing support for early-career expenses can apply for the Igor Gorin Memorial Award, offering up to US $12,000 in unrestricted funding. Administered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, eligible applicants include recent participants in select major opera young artist and training programs, and funds may cover coaching, travel, living, and audition costs.

Tennessee music nonprofits and professional performing ensembles presenting contemporary American classical concert works can access funding through the Alice M. Ditson Fund for general operating or project support. Organizations must feature living American composers in classical concert music, including opera, dance with live contemporary music, or orchestral and chamber ensembles; fiscal sponsorship is allowed when needed.

Music nonprofits and professional performing organizations in Tennessee planning summer festivals or conferences of contemporary American classical concert music can seek organizational support to present works by younger and relatively unknown living American composers. The Alice M. Ditson Fund also allows fiscally sponsored groups and institutions central to contemporary music to apply.

Women opera composers developing new works in Tennessee can receive support for activities like libretto readings, workshops, and working performances through OPERA America’s Discovery Grants, funded by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. These U.S.-wide grants offer up to US $15,000 to advance gender parity and diversity in opera creation.

Professional U.S.-based jazz artists and artist-led ensembles can apply for South Arts’ Jazz Road Tours grants, offering up to US $15,000 for multi-stop touring performances across the country, including Tennessee. Funding covers performance fees, travel, lodging, meals, and backline, with a focus on rural and underserved communities and public performances at eligible venues.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited educational institutions can receive up to US $1,000 for small community-enriching projects such as music festivals, youth clubs, and school or community events. The Amcor Cares Foundation supports K–12 education enrichment, arts and culture, conservation, animal welfare, and local festivals in eligible communities.

Full-time doctoral students at North American universities conducting dissertation research in opera studies can receive support to complete their dissertations. Grants from American Musicological Society help music scholars, including those connected to Tennessee institutions, with a year-long US $25,000 stipend for focused, full-time dissertation work in opera.

High school seniors pursuing science or music-related degrees can receive scholarship support for tuition and required college expenses, usable by students in Tennessee and nationwide. The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County supports music-focused higher education; applicants must show academic achievement, extracurricular or community involvement, financial need, and acceptance to an accredited two- or four-year institution.

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 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 AESEF Genelec Mike Chafee Audio Pioneering Scholarship supports exceptional women pursuing graduate studies in audio engineering. Named in honor of Michael Chafee, a significant figure in audio innovation, this scholarship aims to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are awarded based on academic merit and commitment to audio engineering. Payment is made directly to the student’s graduate school, facilitating a smoother educational journey.

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 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 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.