Best Grants for Musical Instruments in Connecticut

501(c)(3) educational, medical, and cultural/arts organizations in Connecticut and New England can apply for Davis Family Foundation project grants supporting innovative, research-based programs. Music and arts nonprofits may be eligible when projects enhance cultural experiences for Maine community members or benefit Maine learners while involving multiple funding sources and clear, project-specific budgets.

Musicians and musical groups in Connecticut and across New England can receive up to US $10,000 to present free, educational performance experiences for schools, after-school programs, and public spaces. With a mission to preserve music education, Music Drives Us provides funding to compensate performers’ time and expenses, which may help programs that also need instruments or related resources.

Schools and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut needing instruments to start or expand music programs can apply for Music Drives Us’ Instrument Grant. Grants from Music Drives Us help music groups acquire brand-new instruments for programs serving students and community members in settings like schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs across New England.

Organizations in Connecticut using music as an educational tool for any age group can seek funding to support music education programs, especially in underserved communities. Music Drives Us supports institutions facing cuts or lacking music program funding, including schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs, with awards up to US $10,000.

Elderly professional blues musicians needing emergency help with medical or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance, with payments made directly to creditors. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s PAL program supports costs like home care, transportation to treatments, doctor visits, utilities, and burial expenses, which may benefit Connecticut artists facing urgent financial hardship.

Graduate students in musicology from historically underrepresented groups pursuing full-time study at U.S. or Canadian universities can receive funding for one year of graduate work through this fellowship, including students based in Connecticut. The American Musicological Society offers a US $25,000 stipend to support academic research and progress toward the Ph.D.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study music can receive scholarship support for higher education; awards are open nationally, including Connecticut. Grants from Community Foundation of North Central Washington help music-focused students with demonstrated financial need pursue full-time study as a music major or minor, with funding paid over two years contingent on academic progress.

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, including those needing instruments or related expenses, pursue college-level music studies. This award honors composer Ramiro Cortés’ legacy.

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 higher education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois offers this award based on a recorded audition and teacher reference.

Medical students in the U.S. engaged in bioethics in medicine or semiprofessional/professional work in the humanities, including music, can access funding through the American Medical Association Foundation. The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities offers US $10,000 in tuition assistance and an opportunity to present a program for VIP-level donors.

Emerging jazz artists ages 21–35 based in Connecticut and other U.S. locations can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy support, receiving US $10,000 for creative and career development. This national apprenticeship and mentorship program offers master bandleader performances, professional mentoring, cohort learning, Berklee Online coursework, and promotion opportunities that may benefit musicians seeking resources beyond instruments.

Graduating Beatrice High School seniors pursuing undergraduate study and demonstrating strong academics and involvement in music or other activities can receive up to US $2,000 for higher education costs. Beatrice Educational Foundation supports music-focused and civic-minded students through the Hays, Colin, Legacy Scholarship, which may benefit Connecticut music programs seeking examples of individual scholarship support.

Graduating Beatrice High School seniors pursuing higher education, especially those active in music programs and volunteer work, can receive up to US $1,000 through this scholarship. Beatrice Educational Foundation provides undergraduate support, with preference for choir, band, jazz, or other music participants, including students who are members of St. John Lutheran Church.

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 offers these subventions to its members, which may benefit Connecticut-based researchers preparing illustrations, permissions, indexing, translations, or multimedia materials.

Publishers and organizations in the Coalition of Music Organizations can apply for American Musicological Society institutional subventions, with awards up to Up to US $4,000 to support publication of music scholarship. Connecticut music organizations that publish books, collections, articles, or non-print media on music may be eligible if they meet coalition membership requirements.

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 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 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).

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) offers sponsorships to support organizations serving the Branford community. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific review dates: January 15, April 15, and July 15. BCF seeks events that provide meaningful community impact, positive exposure, and opportunities to build relationships with a targeted audience. Sponsorships are awarded for single events or a series of events, but not for ongoing programming or political events.

The New Music Creator Fund provides financial support to individual music creators across all genres, helping them advance their creative practice. This initiative covers costs associated with developing new work and collaborative projects. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have three years of professional music experience. The fund aims to empower diverse music creators in the U.S. by facilitating the development of innovative musical ideas and fostering artistic collaboration.

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!