Global Grantmaking FAQ’s

We offer three grant tracks:

Music Program Grants support specific programs that expand music learning or workforce development. Programs must provide ongoing, music learning or workforce development; serve an established and regularly engaged participant group; demonstrate impact on reducing barriers to music participation or careers; and prioritize historically underserved communities.

General Operating Grants provide unrestricted support for U.S.-based music organizations only whose mission and programming align fully with our funding priorities. Organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, serve historically underrepresented communities, and demonstrate strong leadership, planning, and fiscal management.

Music Research Grants support research that advances music education, participation, and workforce development in the United States. Applicants must have a strong research track record and propose research that does not duplicate existing work. Government agencies, non-U.S. organizations, and individuals are not eligible.

The NAMM Foundation’s Global Grantmaking program supports charitable organizations worldwide that expand access to music learning and career pathways for people of all ages. We focus on two areas: Music Learning, which supports year-round music education, and Career Mobility in Music, which supports pathways into music-related careers. Both priorities emphasize serving historically underrepresented communities.

We support all segments of the music products industry, including band and orchestra, fretted instruments, percussion, publishing, keyboard, pro audio, electronic music, and more.

• Grants to individuals
• Endowments, fundraisers, capital campaigns, or annual appeals
• Conferences
• Deficit financing
• Tickets, ads, sponsorships, or fundraising events
• K–12 schools or higher education institutions (except under Music Research Grants)
• Boosters or school fundraising
• Publications or legal services
• Regranting programs
• Scholarships
• Government agencies or private foundations
• Political or lobbying organizations
• Programs that discriminate against protected groups

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or international equivalents whose mission and programming align with our funding priorities. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that benefit communities outside the U.S. are also eligible.

Programs may be new or existing, serve any age group and represent any musical genre. Applicants do not need to be music organizations, but programs must be music-focused.

Yes. International organizations are eligible for Music Program Grants only if they hold 501(c)(3) equivalent charitable status, meet all requirements and align with our funding priorities. All application materials must be submitted in English.

Grants are awarded to organizations only, not individuals or government agencies. K–12 schools and higher education institutions are eligible under the Music Research grant track only. Schools may benefit from Music Program Grants but cannot serve as the lead applicant.

Yes. Non-music organizations, for example social services, youth development, houses of worship, behavioral or medical health organizations, are welcome to apply for Music Program Grants, provided the proposed program is clearly music-focused and aligns with our priorities.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available across all tracks, depending on the scope and scale of the program or organization. Multi-year grants are not available, however current grantees may reapply annually through a streamlined process.

No. Award amounts vary based on the review process and available funding.

You’ll start by completing a full online application in Round 1, which is peer-reviewed by industry experts. If selected, you’ll move to Round 2; a virtual site visit consisting of a structured conversation with Foundation staff to better understand your organization and clarify your proposal. An in-person facility or program tour is not required.

Round 1 requires a complete online application outlining your program, organizational capacity, and impact, along with required attachments. Specific requirements vary by grant track.

You’ll be notified of your status regardless of outcome. Only applicants selected in Round 1 are invited to Round 2.

Your Round 1 application is peer-reviewed by industry experts; and your Round 2 virtual site visit is conducted by Foundation staff. We assess applications based on alignment with priorities, impact, organizational strength and program quality.

Your organizations must hold 501(c)(3) equivalent charitable status, meaning it operates as a recognized charitable entity similar to a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You’re eligible to apply if you’re a music associations or professional membership organizations that support music participation or career mobility in your home country. All materials must be submitted in English.

It means your organization operates as a recognized charitable entity similar to a U.S. 510(c)(3) nonprofit.

Yes, we support organizations of all sizes and stages of development. If your organization is less than 4 years old, we recommend starting with a Music Program Grant.

The Dependency Test evaluates whether a grant request exceeds 15% of an organization’s operating budget. Requests above this threshold may be adjusted to ensure the grantee isn’t overly reliant on foundation funding.

You may:

• Use a fiscal sponsor, or
• Partner with another organization on the proposed program — if they meet all eligibility requirements, they can serve as the lead applicant.

Some organizations doing meaningful work may not have audited or reviewed financial statements, either because they are too new, or because their state doesn’t require it. In these cases, a fiscal sponsor can serve as a qualified nonprofit partner that receives grant funds on behalf of the project. If your organization already holds its own 501(c)(3) designation, a fiscal sponsor is not required.

If your organization uses a fiscal sponsor for a NAMM Foundation, the fiscal sponsor is the legal grantee and is responsible for compliance with all grant requirements. While the fiscal sponsor is the legal recipient of the grant, both parties play important roles.

Applicant Organization (Project Lead):

• Is the main point of contact with the foundation
• Completes the online application
• Provides budget information for the application organization
• Designs and implements the program
• Completes the interim and final report

Fiscal Sponsor:

• Assumes responsibility for the grant agreement
• Ensures compliance with NAMM Foundation financial reporting requirements
• Serves as the official point of accountability

NAMM Foundation Requirements for Fiscal Sponsors

To be eligible, a fiscal sponsor must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2. Have a written agreement with the applicant organization, submitted with the Round 1 application

3. Have a financial audit or review within the past 2 years.

The NAMM Foundation does not facilitate or match organizations with fiscal sponsors. However, fee-based services are available to organizations throughout the country:

Fiscal Sponsorship for Nonprofits – Council on Foundations

National Network of Fiscal Sponsors

If you hold a Music Program and General Operating grant, you may reapply annually. Your interim report serves as your application for the next funding cycle, a full application is only required every fourth year, after three consecutive annual renewals.

Music Research Grants are one-time awards, though you’re welcome to submit a new research proposal in the future.

No. Funding decisions are made on an annual basis and may be affected by organizational performance, reporting compliance and available funding.

Not typically, but they may be requested.

You’ll need to submit an interim report midway through the grant period and a final report at the end. Both reports document progress and outcomes. Failure to meet reporting requirements may impact eligibility for future funding.

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