Music Grants for Middle Schools

Grants to help fund middle school music programs

Music education is an integral part of a well-rounded education. Many middle school students in grades 5 through 8 take advantage of a school's music program to develop their talents and passion for music. Unfortunately, many schools see their music programs scaled back or cut completely when school budgets become tight. Grants are available to help fund music curriculum in middle schools.

Federal Funding

The United States Government funds numerous grants that focus on the importance of arts and the humanities in the education of children. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) sponsors the Arts Project Art Works grant. Included amongst eligible activities are concerts, performances and education activities for grades K-12. School-based projects must be directly connected to the school's curriculum but not replace the standard classes. While individual schools are not eligible, school districts and agencies can apply. The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards is sponsored in conjunction by the NEA, The National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute for Museum and Library Services. This award is used to fund after-school and out-of-school arts programs. Middle schools with such activities are eligible to apply.

Non-Profit Organizations

Private philanthropic organizations, including foundations sponsored by professional music organizations, are also sources for funding. The Foundation for Bluegrass Music, Inc. (bluegrassfoundation.org) is a non-profit organization established in 2007 to support bluegrass music and musicians. The Foundations provides grant money to programs that directly promote bluegrass music. Public schools are eligible to apply for funding. The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation (greenfdn.org) provides funding for educational programs for children in the United States with favor given to programs in Missouri. In 2008, $20,000 was awarded to the public school system in Mexico, Missouri to purchase equipment for vocal and instrumental music programs in the middle school.

Corporate Funding

Small local companies often lend financial support to neighborhood schools for programs such as music education. If there is a parent in the school that owns a company, directly solicit support in exchange for company recognition. Larger national and international companies often have a philanthropic foundations. Target Corporation's Community Outreach Program (target.com) funds the Arts and Culture in Schools Grant. As of 2011, the $2,000 grant awarded every September helps to bring art and music programs to classrooms.

School Fundraisers

Hosting school fundraisers can provide needed cash for music programs. Bake sales, carnivals and selling products such as candy bars or stationary is one such approach. Parent Teacher Organizations can host silent auctions and ask for raffle donations from local businesses. Schools can also look to "charity malls" that allow shoppers to purchase needed products from well known retailers. These retailers in turn use a percentage of the profit for a financial donation to the school at no cost to the shopper. One such organization is OneCause (help.onecause.com). Schools sign up to participate on the OneCause website and encourage those with an interest in the school to make purchases through the OneCause portal.

References

• National Endowment for the Arts: Grants for Arts Projects
• National Endowment for the Humanities: National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards
• The Foundation for Bluegrass Music: Grants
• The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation: Guidelines
• Target Corporation: Bringing Arts to Schools
• OneCause: About

Resources

• Daniels Music School
• The National Association of Music Education: Grants Information
• National Association of Music Merchants Foundation Program Grants
• GreatSchools.org