2012 MUSIC MATTERS GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Note: The deadline for 2012 Grant Applications was February 17th. We are not accepting late applications. Below is the 2012 grant cycle information for your reference. We will post information about our 2013 cycle later this year.
Purpose and Goals
The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation’s mission is to support music education. Through music education, a child can better achieve his/her full potential and stimulate personal and educational growth.
Music Matters Grants for 2012 will focus on financial need in school and non-profit music programs throughout the United States. Grants will be awarded in April of 2012, with funds distributed by the end of 2012. Grant amounts for this cycle are up to $6,000 each and are made on an annual one-time basis.
Grant Eligibility
Music education – vocal or instrumental – must be the key component of any music program requesting funds.
- Public or charter school programs serving a minimum of 50% low-income students (defined by students receiving free and reduced lunch), OR non-profit/501(c)(3) programs directly funding music education, serving students regardless of their ability to pay, should apply.
- Schools and programs must already have an existing music program/curriculum in place. Grant funds cannot be used to pay salary of regular music instructor; however, stipends and performance fees for guest instructors and musicians are eligible for consideration.
- Grant requests must articulate specific music program needs – for existing and/or planned projects. Detailed budgets must be included with the application, including existing music program budget, proposed project budget, and for non-profits, total organization budget.
- Music education programs must meet national standard non-discrimination policies.
- Programs should serve students in grades K-12.
Priority will be given to the following music education programs:
- Programs having the basic need for music instruments and educational materials
- Programs serving economically disadvantaged children
- Programs exhibiting innovation in music education
- Programs requesting funding to support sustainable projects (impact felt for years to come and benefiting a higher number of students)
- Programs where music education is the primary mission of the non-profit organization
- Programs having established collaborative partnerships with parent-teacher-student associations (PTSA) and other community groups
Restrictions
Grant funds cannot be used for the salary of music educator; however, stipends for guest instructors, performance fees and expenses associated with field trips to qualifying performances are eligible for consideration.
Schools must apply individually. Do not submit one application for multiple schools, unless they share the same campus, music classroom space and instructor. (Provide information for the applying school only: do not include information for other school locations within the district even if the music teacher teaches at more than one school.)
Teachers that teach at more than one school within the school district can only apply on behalf of one school or campus per grant cycle.
Grant funds will not be awarded for reimbursement of expenses or purchases that have already been incurred.
The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation generally does not award charitable grants to the following:
- Schools that charge tuition to attend
- Individuals
- Scholarships (including formal music education programs, competitions, festivals, & camps)
- Religious, political, labor, athletic, or fraternal organizations
- Operating deficits or debt retirement
- Music therapy, dance, costumes, uniforms, props
- General requests for operating funds or capital campaigns
- Event sponsorships such as, but not limited to walks, runs, festivals, camps or golf tournaments
- Programs serving people and communities outside the U.S. and its territories
2012 Music Matters Grant Program FAQ
General Information
Grant recipients are required to submit receipts verifying the funds were used as agreed and reports on what results were obtained. The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation reserves the right to the return of the grant funds if they have not been used as agreed. The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation reserves the right to promote a collaborative partnership with a grant recipient for promotional purposes.
Thank you for continuing to make “Music Matter” to all children and for your interest in the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation.
Questions: heart@muzak.com
