Best Grants for Musical Instruments in Indiana

Nonprofit charities in Indiana and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for music and other cultural, educational, social, and environmental projects that promote sustainable development. La Roche prioritizes innovative, high-quality initiatives managed by accredited charities, with local Roche affiliates funding organizations and programs based and operating in the same country as the affiliate.

Nonprofit organizations, hospitals, clinics, and tribal organizations in Indiana and other Midwestern states can receive US $2,000 - US $15,000 to run arts and wellness projects, including music-focused programs. Grants from Arts Midwest help fund performances, workshops, clinical or creative aging programs, and veteran-engaging arts activities that involve professional artists and at least two public activities.

Graduate students in musicology from historically underrepresented groups studying at U.S. or Canadian universities can receive US $25,000 for one year of full-time graduate work, potentially supporting Indiana-based scholars. The American Musicological Society’s Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship funds promising music scholarship and encourages greater diversity among future music scholars and teachers.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study music from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan County can receive scholarship support for further education through the Everett & Roy Hill Music Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of North Central Washington help music-focused students, including those needing instruments, who demonstrate financial need and commit to full-time study in music.

Graduating high school seniors majoring in music and residing in Chelan or Douglas County can receive scholarship support for full-time higher education through the Ramiro Cortes Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of North Central Washington help music students pursue academic studies, which may benefit Indiana programs guiding students toward collegiate music careers.

College-bound student musicians in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County who are 19 or younger and active in school or community music can receive scholarship support to further their musical education. With a mission to support music and higher education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois offers this award, which may help Indiana programs guide eligible students toward external music scholarship opportunities.

Medical students in Indiana engaged in bioethics programs or semiprofessional/professional music, theater, literature, dance, or other humanities can access funding through the American Medical Association Foundation’s Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities. This Physicians of Tomorrow scholarship provides US $10,000 in tuition assistance and an opportunity to present a program for VIP-level donors.

Emerging U.S.-based jazz artists ages 21–35, including those in Indiana, can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy program; awards US $10,000 for career development. Funding comes with a national apprenticeship, creative and business mentorship, cohort learning, Berklee Online coursework, and performance and promotion opportunities to advance professional jazz careers.

High-achieving Beatrice High School seniors seeking scholarship support for higher education can receive up to US $2,000, including students active in music and other school activities. Beatrice Educational Foundation supports music-involved students with strong GPAs and community engagement; Indiana music programs may look to this as a model rather than a direct funding source.

Beatrice High School graduating seniors pursuing higher education in music or related fields can receive up to US $1,000 in scholarship support, with preference for those active in choir, band, jazz band, or other music programs. Beatrice Educational Foundation also favors applicants engaged in volunteer work and members of St. John Lutheran Church.

Individual music scholars needing help publishing music studies work, including those in Indiana, can apply for up to US $2,500 to cover publication-related costs such as images, permissions, indexing, and media. The American Musicological Society supports members at all career stages producing books, articles, essay collections, and non-print media in music research.

Publishers and organizations in the Coalition of Music Organizations, including those in Indiana, can apply for American Musicological Society institutional subventions, with awards up to US $4,000, to support music scholarship publications. Funding can lower retail prices, defray production costs, or increase accessibility for books and other music studies resources.

Sweet Adelines quartets in Indiana can receive funding to attend Sweet Adelines-sponsored educational events, including the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the 2026 International Convention and Competition. The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship from Sweet Adelines International provides US $1,600 per selected quartet to cover registration, lodging, meals, and some travel costs.

Undergraduate music students focused on vocal pedagogy, music education, or composition who are active in barbershop or Sweet Adelines activities in Indiana and beyond can receive scholarship support for tuition and fees. With a mission to empower singers, Sweet Adelines International provides US $5,000 Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarships to eligible four-year university students.

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.

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.

About Us

Mission Statement

The Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies offers a unique environment for the study, appreciation, use, and promotion of a wide range of keyboard instruments. To serve an increasingly diverse audience, the Center presents keyboard-related conferences, workshops, concerts, masterclasses, educational programs, and publishes scholarly work at regular intervals; longstanding priorities have included the intersections of historical practices and technologies with larger social and artistic developments. In its activities and governance, the Center seeks to foster inclusion and equity among artists, builders, scholars, educators, students, enthusiasts, and partner organizations.

Since its founding in 1979, the Center has sponsored over one hundred events, including workshops, research conferences and symposia, tours to historic instruments, solo recitals and early music concerts, and educational programs designed to interest the general public in keyboard instruments and their repertoire.

Members include highly acclaimed artists, noted scholars, some of the world’s greatest instrument builders, and music lovers.

The Barbara Owen Research Grant

A lifelong member of the Westfield Center, Barbara Owen made immense contributions to our understanding of the organ and its music. She was especially known for her scholarship on the American organ and organists, and she co-wrote the Grove Dictionary article on the organ, a standard reference work. To honor her memory, the Westfield Center will award a $2000 grant for research into historical keyboard instruments (organ, harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano). The research may culminate in a scholarly article or other format for presenting the information.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Founded in 1978, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a tax-exempt trusted public charity that advances equity through philanthropy and community leadership. Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:

• Social and Economic Mobility
• Opportunities for All
• Inclusive Systems of Economic Growth
• Community Resilience

Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Fund

The Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to benefit students studying musical performance, jazz studies or choral conducting at a historically or predominantly black college or university (HBCU).

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to support activities aligned with the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML). Each academic department can apply for up to $1500 for on-campus visits by guest lecturers or performers, promoting collaboration and communication with the IML. Priority is given to departments that did not receive funding last year. A limited number of grants are awarded annually, ensuring impactful experiences for students.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to enhance the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML) at the Eastman School of Music. It fosters collaboration with various departments, inviting external experts for presentations and events. Additionally, the New Faculty Grant is specifically for new full-time faculty within their first two years, promoting professional development opportunities. Only two grants are awarded annually, emphasizing support for departments that did not receive funding in the previous year.

The Music's Future Scholarship, provided by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music education by offering financial support to students enrolled in music degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, submit a letter of reference, a resume, a personal statement, and a prior semester transcript. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also addresses the importance of music in education, fostering opportunities for students to discuss improvements in music education.