Writing Grants

I had a little side-chapter in my career that included starting a nonprofit concert series called, Underground Classical. Its focus was to highlight classically trained musicians who performed completely out-of-the-box repertoire.  Beat-boxing flutists, bluegrass champion fiddlers who graduated from the Curtis Institute, and a theremin player were a few highlights during our 5-year run.

As the founder and sole proprietor of the organization, one of my responsibilities was to secure funding. I did this primarily through grant writing and I am proud to say that the series was fully funded, 100% during its existence.  It brought joy to me, enriched my city’s cultural scene, and supported artists and musicians.

Approaching potential donors face-to-face was REALLY hard for me to do, hence, 80% of our fundraising was achieved through grants!  Strangely, grant-writing kinda became a hobby for me.  I would come home from school and cozy up to my desk and begin researching everything out there.  I often fell down rabbit holes and the learning curve was steep but, as crazy as it sounds, I loved it!

If you’re looking for grants to buy instruments, obtain classroom equipment, or start a community ensemble, there are foundations and organizations available that support music education through grants.  

Grant writing doesn’t need to be stressful.  Some may require you to answer a few questions using a drop-down menu, others require a thoughtfully written essay.  Be authentic to your program, outline your teaching integrity, and make your students the centerpiece while writing from a genuine place in your heart.  

Look for Grant Writing, Part II for some tips to help you hone your ideas while expressing what’s so important to you, your students’ learning.