Best Grants for Musical Instruments in South Dakota

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Dakota can seek funding for music and performing arts programs, including support for high school and college-age theatre, vocal, or orchestral students. Focused on charitable causes, the Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $20,000, which may help organizations purchase or enhance musical instruments and related educational activities.

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 for further musical education. With a mission to support music and education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois offers this award, which may benefit South Dakota programs guiding local students toward similar opportunities.

Medical students in the U.S. engaged in bioethics programs or semiprofessional/professional work in music, theater, literature, dance, or other humanities can receive tuition support through the Lazarus Family Scholarship. This Physicians of Tomorrow award from the American Medical Association Foundation provides US $10,000 and may benefit South Dakota students with strong musical or arts involvement.

Emerging jazz improvisers ages 21–35 in South Dakota and across the U.S. can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy program, which awards US $10,000 for career development. Participants receive a yearlong package of apprenticeship, mentorship, cohort learning, Berklee Online study, and performance opportunities that may support instrument-related and other professional costs.

High-achieving Beatrice High School seniors pursuing higher education can receive up to US $2,000 for tuition, room and board, or books, with a strong emphasis on academics and involvement in music and other activities. Students engaged in music who also demonstrate community involvement may be especially competitive for this scholarship opportunity.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing undergraduate education can receive up to US $1,000 for tuition, room and board, or books, with a focus on music involvement and volunteer service. Beatrice Educational Foundation provides scholarships to Beatrice High School students with at least a 3.0 GPA; South Dakota music students may need to explore other options.

Individual music scholars needing help with publication costs can receive up to US $2,500 to support works in music studies, including books, articles, and non-print media. The American Musicological Society supports expenses like illustrations, permissions, indexing, and multimedia, and South Dakota researchers who are AMS members may be eligible.

Publishers and organizations in South Dakota that are members of the Coalition of Music Organizations can apply for American Musicological Society publication subventions, with awards up to US $4,000, to support music studies publications. Funding can reduce retail prices, defray production costs, or increase accessibility for books and other scholarly resources.

Sweet Adelines quartets seeking support to attend educational music events in South Dakota and beyond can apply for scholarships covering registration, lodging, meals, and some travel. The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship from Sweet Adelines International awards US $1,600 to two eligible quartets for select 2026 international education and competition events.

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

Nonprofit performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, and record companies with a strong track record in contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive unrestricted operating support, typically US $2,000 - US $20,000. Focused on contemporary music, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music invites eligible groups, including those in South Dakota, to strengthen public appreciation through performances, recordings, and related programs.

Performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, record companies, and related 501(c)(3) groups in South Dakota can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for discrete projects in contemporary American concert music or jazz. Eligible activities include performances, recordings, live streams, residencies, archives, and similar initiatives.

Graduating high school seniors from Marshfield High School planning music-related study or participation in ensembles can apply for the H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, awarding US $450 for college or vocational education. South Dakota music educators and counselors may note this as a model when seeking similar support for student musicians and school music activities.

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

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The Ethel Zwiebel Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the North State, supports Shasta County students majoring in music who demonstrate financial need. This award is open to graduating high school seniors and Shasta College students completing their two-year music program. By fostering educational goals, this scholarship aims to empower young musicians to pursue their passion for music in higher education.

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.

The Music Family Scholarship, funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music appreciation and accessibility for children and communities. Established in 1948, the MPTF provides free live music programs across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on underserved populations. Eligible applicants must have a parent in good standing with a Local AFM and be enrolled in higher education for fall 2025. This scholarship encourages artistic expression and community unity through music, fostering enriching experiences for all.

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of music. It offers free, live music programs across the United States and Canada, ensuring access to quality musical experiences for diverse communities. Funded by royalties from major record labels, the MPTF collaborates with local arts organizations to promote music education and performance, enriching lives through the power of music at no cost to attendees.

The We Are Moving The Needle Scholarship supports women, trans, and non-binary creators in the music industry by offering two full scholarships for a masterclass with GRAMMY-nominated producer Alissia in Paris. This initiative aims to empower underrepresented voices through education and mentorship, fostering a more inclusive music industry. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops designed to enhance their production skills and gain insights from a leading industry professional, contributing to lasting cultural change.

The Hearing Health Fund, part of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in collaboration with Sweetwater, aims to support musicians and music industry professionals facing hearing difficulties. This initiative addresses the auditory risks inherent in the music industry due to exposure to loud sounds. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and prove that a significant portion of their income comes from music-related work, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by hearing challenges.

The Suzanne G. Cusick Professional Development Fund, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 grants to support low-income scholars in music and sound studies. These grants aim to enhance professional development for independent scholars and contingent faculty who lack access to such opportunities. The fund emphasizes equitable participation, particularly for historically under-represented groups, ensuring a diverse range of recipients can benefit from this vital support.