Best Grants for Music Education in California

Nonprofit organizations providing music education and related arts programs in California can apply for funding to support community arts and culture, youth development, and arts access. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help 501(c)(3) groups in designated U.S. Bank communities advance economic and workforce opportunity, safe and affordable housing, and connected communities through arts and culture initiatives.

Public K–12 schools and classrooms needing support for music or arts projects in California can apply for California Casualty’s Music & Arts Grant, with awards of US $300. Grants from California Casualty help music education programs facing budget cuts purchase supplies, instruments, or other essentials; applicants must be employees and members of eligible educator associations.

Nonprofit arts and music organizations in California with policy-focused advocacy initiatives can apply for The Music Man Foundation’s Strengthening the Sector grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $250,000 for initiative-based work. Eligible groups use advocacy to promote equitable access to the arts and may include music education efforts within broader arts policy change.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

Graduating music students at Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for multi-year scholarship support through the Ralph R. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from Pittsburgh Foundation help music education students with financial need attend accredited vocational or technical schools, or 2- and 4-year colleges and universities; California-based programs may find this model informative.

California college and graduate students studying music can access scholarship support through the Paul J. Baum Fund, helping cover higher education costs in music programs. Administered by the Pittsburgh Foundation, this award supports those with prior music participation and at least a 2.5 GPA who are pursuing music degrees at accredited institutions.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing instrumental music or art degrees can receive scholarship support for higher education from the Greater Salina Community Foundation. With a mission to enhance quality of life, this Fine Arts Future Development Scholarship serves students from the Solomon Valley area, including Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, which may interest music education advocates in California seeking similar opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study music education can apply for the Judy Tomes Duffy Music Education Scholarship, honoring commitment to education, community, and music. Focused on music education, Scranton Area Foundation invites students, including those from California browsing music education opportunities, to complete its online common application to determine eligibility and access qualifying scholarship forms.

Graduating high school seniors planning to major in music can receive scholarship support for post-secondary study through the Maurice D. Taylor Memorial Music Scholarship, open to students from Montrose or Elk Lake. Grants from Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains help music education students pursue higher education, which may benefit California programs guiding students toward similar opportunities.

Students pursuing music education who demonstrate high financial need can apply for the Mildred E. Troske Music Scholarship, which is open to music education students across the U.S., including California. Focused on supporting higher education in music, Grand Rapids Community Foundation considers applicants with significant financial need for this award.

Students studying music with a concentration in viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol may be eligible for this need-based scholarship supporting music education, including those from California. Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship prioritizes applicants with high financial need, though all qualifying music students are encouraged to apply.

Graduating high school seniors in California pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need can apply for the Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship, awarding US $1,000. With a mission to support education, Stanislaus Community Foundation favors applicants with a strong background in music education.

Graduating high school seniors dedicated to music who are pursuing a music major or minor can apply for The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Austen Marie Path to Music Memorial Scholarship, awarding up to US $5,000 for higher education costs. Nevada-based students interested in music education or performance may benefit from this opportunity.

Young aspiring musicians in California seeking help for music education expenses can use this scholarship for college, lessons, instruments, books, or music camps. With a mission to support music education, Northern New York Community Foundation offers the Keith Brabant Music Scholarship to students with documented financial need; funds may be paid directly to providers.

California music education organizations can share this opportunity with eligible students: the Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship supports Madison or Culpeper County public high school students, or current college students from those counties, pursuing arts majors. Administered by Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, it prioritizes applicants in good academic standing with financial need, merit, and volunteer or work experience.

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Music Scholarships

Open to Chautauqua County students (K-11) to assist with the cost of music instruction, or high school seniors and college students from Chautauqua County majoring in music. 

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 Gloria Anderson Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, honors a beloved music teacher and the founder of the Singing Dutchmen Men’s Chorus. This scholarship, amounting to approximately $1,000, is available to high school seniors pursuing degrees in music education or performance, particularly those from areas served by the Singing Dutchmen. It reflects the Foundation's commitment to supporting local students in their educational endeavors.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Barbara Mashburn Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for a graduate of an Arkansas high school pursuing an education as a vocalist.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Allendale Community Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Allendale Community Foundation and Allendale Charter Township as a way to support a graduate residing in Allendale Charter Township who wishes to pursue a post-secondary education.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brian Edkins Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cape Fear High School; South View High School (Cumberland County) or Scotland High School (Scotland County, NC).

The Ferris Burtis Scholarship Fund, established in 2002 by two dedicated musicians, supports talented young musicians pursuing classical music careers. Funded by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, it aims to alleviate the financial burden of education, ensuring access for graduating high school seniors accepted into conservatories. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through philanthropy, fostering opportunities for economic mobility and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Berkshire Taconic region.

The Ben Paley Scholarship Fund, established in 2019 by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors the life of musician Ben Paley. It supports talented high school seniors from Berkshire County and northwest Litchfield County pursuing undergraduate music studies. This scholarship reflects Ben's passion for music and his positive outlook on life, aiming to inspire future generations of musicians to follow their dreams.

The LAMPS Bob Judd Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2021 by the Maine Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Robert L. Judd, a cherished member of Lubec. This annual $1,000 scholarship supports Washington County residents pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in music, continuing Bob's tradition of generosity towards students and local musicians. The fund exemplifies community support and encourages the next generation of musical talent.

The Boesl-Gentry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific schools pursuing studies in Ministry or related fields. This $1,200 scholarship requires an essay and a letter of recommendation. Eligible students must apply to accredited post-secondary institutions and provide transcripts. The foundation is committed to enhancing community quality of life through various initiatives, underscoring values of integrity, respect, leadership, and vision.

The Marion Kellum Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts or related degrees. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and documented involvement in at least five theatre productions. This non-renewable scholarship provides essential financial assistance to nurture talent in the performing arts, enhancing the cultural landscape of South Lake County.

The Manhart/Gibbons Family Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial support for one graduating high school senior pursuing education in Music or Arts. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by addressing community needs and supporting local talent. Preference is given to residents of Crown Point, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the local community.