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Criteria and Eligibility

Grants will fund programs and projects that aim to: 

  • Increase access to singing-based music education for elementary and middle/junior high students from historically marginalized communities, 

  • Promote cross-cultural exchange and learning, and 

  • Uphold the principles of access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

*Visit our Core Values & Guiding Definitions to get a better understanding of the goals for this grant program.

Organizations and schools in these four regions are eligible to apply for this inaugural cycle:  

  • British Columbia & Northwest 

  • Central Appalachia 

  • Southwest 

  • Upper Midwest

*View the full list of eligible states and counties here.

 

This grant opportunity is made possible by a new funding partnership. The funding partner for this program has made a commitment to serving organizations in specific US & Canadian regions where music engagement opportunities for students may be limited by socioeconomics, geography, or related factors. During the inaugural year of this program, only organizations and schools in these regions will be eligible to apply.

Projects led by BIPOC/People of the Global Majority are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as applicants led by and serving historically marginalized communities. First-time grant applicants are also encouraged to submit an application.

Funding Categories

Chorus America will award grants ranging between $15,000 - $50,000 to each region. Within each region, applications will be considered in 2 categories: 

  • Organizations with budgets less than $150,000 or volunteer-run 

  • Organizations with budgets of $150,000 or greater and at least 1 paid staff member

Other Eligibility Considerations 

All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Partnership Project Requirement.  This grant program is designed to support partnerships between community-based organizations and elementary and/or middle/junior high schools. Organizations applying do not need to be exclusively dedicated to the arts but must propose a project focused on group singing. All projects eligible for consideration must include plans to partner with a school (or schools) serving elementary, middle, or junior high school(s). 

Nonprofit Status & Fiscally Sponsored Projects.  All applicants must be either a public school,  501(c)3 US tax-exempt charitable organization, or registered Canadian charity per the Canadian Revenue Agency. Fiscally sponsored projects are also eligible to apply; the fiscal sponsor must provide documentation of their 501(c)3 US tax-exempt status or qualification as a registered Canadian charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency.

Consideration for Faith-based Organizations/Repertoire.  Proposals will be considered from faith-based organizations that engage in non-religious programming. Note: Repertoire taught and performed may have a faith-based origin, however, the repertoire should be referenced for its musical teaching objectives and history, and not as a tool for religious practice or religious instruction. 

Ineligible Expenses.  The Music Education Partnership Grants program is a project-based funding opportunity for community-based nonprofit organizations and schools. Chorus America does not fund: 

  • Capital campaigns 

  • Endowment funds 

  • Fundraising activities or events 

  • Faith-based organizations for religious purposes 

  • Individuals 

  • Lobbying or political activities 

  • PTAs or booster clubs

  • Subgranting: Projects that intend to redistribute funds at their own discretion

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