Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Question about The NAMM Foundation

If you are interested in donating to The NAMM Foundation to share goals for advancing access to music learning for people of all ages? Donate here. We welcome your inquiry about making a tax-deductible donation or consider The NAMM Foundation in your philanthropy planning; email info@nammfoundation.org

About The NAMM Foundation Grantmaking

Inspired by the generosity of the music products industry, The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) established The NAMM Foundation in 2006 to make charitable investments that create more music makers across the lifespan. Since then, the foundation has awarded $20 million in nonprofit and music research grants. 

Today, the foundation seeks to understand the systemic barriers that prevent youth and adults from participating in music-making and music careers. We then invest in big ideas and bold solutions that help eliminate these barriers.  

Our Global Grantmaking invests in charitable organizations, worldwide, that demonstrate a significant impact on music career mobility and the creation of more music makers across the lifespan of learning.   

What is the Application Period for Funding?

Starting on March 3 through April, the foundation will accept applications for Round 1 from charitable organizations and their international equivalents to support Participatory Music Making and Career Mobility for Music Creators, benefiting historically underrepresented communities or groups.   Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal by July 1.

What is the average award amount?

The NAMM Foundation grant range is between $5,000 and $25,000.

Can I apply for multi-year funding?

The NAMM Foundation grant period is 12 months.

Do you provide event sponsorships?

From time to time, the foundation will provide event sponsorships, but these are by invitation only. We do not accept unsolicited requests for event sponsorships.

Do you provide funding for schools?

Our grantmaking program does not fund public, private, independent, or charter schools directly. 501(c)(3) community music schools are eligible to apply. 

Do you provide funding for fundraisers?

No, the foundation does not provide financial support for fundraisers.  

What is the number of NAMM Foundation grant awards given each year?

The number of grants awarded is relative to the number of quality proposals received and the availability of grant funds.

What requests are not eligible for NAMM Foundation funding?

  • Grants for individuals.  
  • Endowments, capital campaigns, annual appeals. 
  • Conferences. 
  • Deficit financing. 
  • Purchase of tickets, ads, sponsorships, parties, conferences, fairs, fundraisers or one-time events 
  • School districts, public, private, independent, charter schools, or higher education institutions, except for research grants. 
  • Publications. 
  • Legal services. 
  • Re-granting organizations or programs. 
  • Private foundations. 
  • Political candidates or lobbying organizations. 
  • Programs or organizations that discriminate based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, veteran status, disability or other characteristics protected by law. 
     

Does the NAMM Foundation ever give grants to buy instruments?

Yes, this can be considered as a part of a program grant proposal; however, this should represent a relatively small percentage of the program budget, as should other equipment requests.

What are the reporting requirements?

Grantees are expected to submit and interim report in March and a final report in August.

How do we apply?

Eligible nonprofits can apply via our online portal starting March 3 through April 4, 2025. Learn more here.

Who can I contact with Questions?

Please contact Sharon Bryant, sharonb@namm.org, with any questions or concerns.

Does the NAMM Foundation offer technical support to organizations that have not been awarded?

The Foundation does not offer private consultation during the application process nor after grants have been awarded. Support for grant seekers is available through Candid.