"Music Matters" Grant Program

CLICK THIS LINK for the 2008 "Music Matters" Grant Guidelines and Application

The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation’s mission is to redefine and support music education.  Through music education, a child can better achieve his/her full potential and stimulate personal and educational growth.  Since the inception of Heart & Soul in 1998, the Foundation has given over $1 million dollars to over 75 schools nationwide in support of local music programs.   

The "Music Matters" grants for 2008 will focus on educational reform and will be awarded in May 2008 (money will be distributed by October 2008), in cities throughout the U.S.  Anticipated grant amounts for this cycle are between $1,000-$12,000 each and are made on an annual one-time basis.

Applications must be postmarked by April 11, 2008.

"Music Matters" Grant Recipient Selection Criteria

• Music education – vocal or instrumental – must be the key component of any music program requesting funds. 
• Public school programs (qualifying for Title I federal funding and serving a minimum of 70% low-income students) or non-profit/501(c)(3) programs directly funding music education (serving students regardless of their ability to pay) should apply.
  * Non-profits must enclose an IRS determination letter with the grant application.
• Schools and programs must already employ a music educator(s) and have an existing music program in place.
• Grant requests must articulate specific music program needs – for existing and/or planned programs. 
• Music education programs must meet national standard non-discrimination policies.
• Recipients will be required to complete periodic evaluations throughout 2009.

Priority will be given to the following music education programs:
Note:  Music education programs need not meet all criteria listed below to qualify.

• programs serving students in grades K-12
• programs involving innovative educational reform
• programs serving economically disadvantaged children
• programs having established collaborative partnerships with parent-teacher-student associations (PTSA) and other community groups
• programs in cities where Muzak affiliates are located and where Muzak employees are already involved
• programs possibly including the basic need of music instruments and educational materials over those requesting more advanced learning aids

Restrictions
As a general rule, the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation does not make charitable grants to the following, but not limited to:

• Individuals
• Religious, political, labor, athletic, or fraternal organizations
• Operating deficits or debt retirement
• Music therapy and dance
• General requests for operating funds or capital campaigns
• Event sponsorships such as, but not limited to walks, runs, or golf tournaments
• Programs serving people and communities outside the U.S.

CLICK THIS LINK for the 2008 "Music Matters" Grant Guidelines and Application