Best Grants for Musical Instruments in Oklahoma

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.

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.

Medical students in the U.S. engaged in bioethics programs 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 may benefit Oklahoma students whose work connects medicine and the arts.

Emerging jazz improvisers ages 21–35 based in Oklahoma or elsewhere in the U.S. can apply for CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy program, which awards US $10,000 for career and creative development. Participants receive a national apprenticeship with a master bandleader, mentorship, cohort learning, Berklee Online coursework, and performance and promotion opportunities that may benefit instrument-focused artists.

High-achieving graduating seniors planning higher education and involved in music or other activities may be eligible for scholarships supporting tuition and related costs, including students from Oklahoma. Beatrice Educational Foundation’s Hays, Colin, Legacy Scholarship offers up to US $2,000 total to one to three students who demonstrate strong academics, community involvement, and school participation.

Beatrice High School graduating seniors pursuing undergraduate study and involved in music programs can receive up to US $1,000 for college costs. Beatrice Educational Foundation provides these scholarships for students with at least a 3.0 GPA, with preference for those active in choir, band, jazz groups, volunteering, and St. John Lutheran Church.

Individual AMS members preparing music studies publications, including those in Oklahoma, can apply for up to US $2,500 to cover production costs such as illustrations, permissions, indexing, and multimedia. Grants from American Musicological Society support scholarly books, articles, essay collections, and non-print media across music research and writing at all career stages.

Publishers and organizations that are members of the Coalition of Music Organizations can apply for American Musicological Society publication subventions, with awards up to Up to US $4,000, to support music studies publications. Oklahoma music organizations producing scholarly books or resources on music may be eligible to reduce retail prices, defray production costs, or increase accessibility.

Sweet Adelines quartets seeking support to attend educational music events in Oklahoma and beyond can apply for this scholarship funding. Sweet Adelines International provides two quartets with US $1,600 each to cover registration, lodging, meals, and some travel for select 2026 Sweet Adelines-sponsored programs and conventions, subject to membership and competition experience requirements.

Undergraduate music students focused on vocal pedagogy, music education, or composition who are active in barbershop or Sweet Adelines activities can receive support for tuition and fees. With a mission to empower singers, Sweet Adelines International provides US $5,000 scholarships that may benefit Oklahoma students pursuing advanced vocal and music studies.

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 general operating support. Focused on music, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music offers US $2,000 - US $20,000, which may help Oklahoma groups sustain programs that feature contemporary American works.

Music nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in Oklahoma presenting contemporary American concert music or jazz can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s Project Support Program, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for special projects. Eligible activities include performances, recordings, livestreams, and related programs that deepen public appreciation of this repertoire.

Graduating high school seniors from Marshfield High School planning to study or participate in music can apply for the H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, awarding US $450 toward accredited two- or four-year programs. Students in Oklahoma seeking support for musical pursuits may review this Community Foundation of the Ozarks opportunity as a comparison point.

Oklahoma music students seeking funding for post-secondary education may be eligible if they are Erie County high school seniors planning to study art or music in college. Erie Community Foundation’s Dr. Alice M. Hudder–Richard T. Molder Scholarship supports need-based academic scholarships for students pursuing science, math, business, or the arts at any college or university.

Graduating seniors from Greensburg Community High School involved in athletics or music can receive scholarship support to further their education through the Joanie Bostic Memorial Senior Pirate Spirit Award. With a mission to inspire generosity, Decatur County Community Foundation honors students who demonstrate strong school spirit and commitment to extracurricular activities, which may interest music-focused students seeking instrument-related opportunities.

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 Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

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.

The Alvin H. Johnson AMS 50 Fellowship supports PhD candidates in music scholarship during their final dissertation year. Awarded based on academic merit, it offers a $25,000 stipend for full-time study, with no tuition coverage. Applicants must be registered doctoral students in good standing at North American universities, having completed all requirements except the dissertation. The fellowship emphasizes timely completion, discouraging extensive employment during the term, and is non-renewable.