Best Grants for Musical Instruments in Washington

Graduating high school seniors in Washington’s Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties planning to major in journalism or a music-related field can access funding through the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. Awards support students with financial need, strong grades, and a solid work ethic in school and the community, including aspiring musicians.

Graduating seniors and non-traditional students in Washington pursuing full-time college studies with a music major or minor can receive scholarship support for piano or organ from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. Focused on music education, it invites passionate, experienced pianists and organists from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties attending accredited in-state programs to apply.

Washington high school seniors from Chelan or Douglas counties planning to major in music can receive a four-year college scholarship supporting their music education. Local music programs seeking instrument support may benefit when their students secure this aid. The Community Foundation of North Central Washington administers the Roy W Hill Music Scholarship.

Washington medical students engaged in bioethics programs or semiprofessional/professional music, theater, literature, art, or dance can access funding through the American Medical Association Foundation’s Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities. This US $10,000 Physicians of Tomorrow award supports final-year medical students combining medical education with humanities or creative practice, including music-related work.

Washington emerging jazz artists ages 21–35 seeking mentorship and career development can access funding and support through CultureSource’s Next Jazz Legacy program. This national initiative offers US $10,000, apprenticeship with master bandleaders, creative and business mentorship, cohort learning, online coursework, and performance showcases to help build sustainable jazz careers, which may indirectly support instrument-related needs.

Washington high school music students seeking academic scholarships for higher education can access funding through the Beatrice Educational Foundation’s Hays, Colin, Legacy Scholarship. Graduating Beatrice High School seniors with a 3.5 GPA in the top ten percent of their class may receive up to US $2,000, with preference for applicants involved in music and other activities.

Graduating Beatrice High School seniors pursuing undergraduate study and involved in music programs may receive up to US $1,000 through this scholarship, with preference for choir, band, jazz band, or similar activities. Focused on music and education, Beatrice Educational Foundation invites eligible students, including those engaged in volunteer work and St. John Lutheran Church, to apply.

Individual scholars preparing music studies publications can receive up to US $2,500 to cover production costs such as illustrations, musical examples, permissions, indexing, and related expenses. Washington music researchers working on books, articles, or multimedia scholarship may be eligible to apply for these publication subventions from the American Musicological Society.

Publishers and music organizations in Washington that are members of the Coalition of Music Organizations can seek up to US $4,000 to support music scholarship publications. Grants from American Musicological Society help reduce retail prices, defray production costs, or increase accessibility for books, essay collections, journal issues, and non-print media, which may benefit instrument-focused projects.

Sweet Adelines member quartets seeking support to attend educational barbershop events, including those based in Washington, can access this scholarship for registration, lodging, meals, and some travel costs. Grants from Sweet Adelines International help music-focused quartets cover expenses to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the 2026 Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition, with awards of US $1,600 per quartet.

Undergraduate music majors pursuing vocal pedagogy, music education, or music composition at four-year universities can receive scholarship support through the Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, including students in Washington. Focused on music, Sweet Adelines International invites barbershop-involved young singers with strong academics and Sweet Adelines participation to apply for US $5,000 toward tuition and fees.

Performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, and record companies with a strong track record in contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive general operating support, including in Washington. Grants from Aaron Copland Fund for Music help professional 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups fund unrestricted activities that advance public appreciation of contemporary American music, with awards ranging from US $2,000 - US $20,000.

Nonprofit performing ensembles, presenters, music service organizations, and record companies in Washington can seek project funding for contemporary American concert music and jazz activities. Grants from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music range from US $2,000 - US $20,000 for discrete projects like performances, recordings, live streams, residencies, and related programs that build public appreciation of this music.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study or participate in music can receive US $450 for college through the H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, awarded by Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Students interested in music programs, including those in Washington seeking instrument-related support, may be eligible if they meet the scholarship’s academic and financial-need criteria.

High school seniors planning post-secondary education and studying music, art, science, math, or business may be eligible for this scholarship, which can support instrument-related and other educational costs. Grants from Erie Community Foundation help Washington music students see an example of a need-based award prioritizing academic effort and 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.