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Global Grantmaking
About our 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.
2026 Grant Cycle
What We Fund
We award grants to high-impact organizations across the globe that create more music makers by eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities and groups of people in two areas, Participatory Music Making and Career Mobility:
Participatory Music Making: High-quality, hands-on, relevant music-making, music-training, that is, or will be, a permanent part of an organization’s annual programming and serve, or will serve, an established cohort of participants that engage with the program regularly.
Career Mobility: Career Mobility is career development for youth or adults in any area of the music industry. Commercial (e.g. production, recording, live event, instrument makers, retail, etc.) musicians, and teaching artists.
Grant Tracks
Within these given priorities, we offer three grant tracks:
- Music Program Grants for US and International Organizations
- General Operating Grants for US Music Organizations
- Music Research Grants for US Organizations (opens April 1)
Grant Amounts
Foundation grants for each track are typically in the $5,000-$25,000 range depending on the size and scope of the program or organization.
Review Process
Our application process has two stages. Stage 1 is open to any eligible organization. After submitting the initial Round 1 proposal, select organizations from that pool will be invited to Round 2, which will include a virtual site visit to help us better understand your organization. Grants are reviewed by internal staff and external reviewers from multiple disciplines selected for their expertise.
Deadlines
Music Program and General Operating Grants
- March 3: Application Live
- March 5: Virtual information session: Watch Here
- April 4: Round 1 Application Due
- June 6: Invitation to advance to Round 2 Application
- July 1: Round 2 Application Due
- Sept 30: Award Notification
Music Research Grants
- March 5: Virtual information sessions: Watch
- April 1: Application Live
- June 6: Round 1 Application Due
- July 3: Invitation to advance to Round 2 Application
- Aug 4: Round 2 Application Due
- Sept 30: Award Notification
Our 2025 Impact
Meet Our 2025 Grantees
The foundation proudly supports 32 Global Grantmaking programs in its 2025 grantmaking cycle, with a committed $750,000 in funding, representing 29 states and six countries.
Dallas Winds Band Camp
Dallas Winds' Dallas Winds Band Camp, a high-quality, 5-day summer band camp, is designed for underserved students in grades 6-12 within the Dallas Independent School District.
Mississippi #MusicSaves
Save The Music Foundation's Music Mississippi “#MusicSaves” program is an initiative that expands access and equity to instrumental music and music technology programs. This program targets 80 schools by 2026, ensuring more students can engage with and benefit from music education.
The Opus Project
The San Diego Youth Symphony's Opus Project is an initiative dedicated to providing access to quality instruction for any student wishing to study music. This program offers free music education in under-resourced San Diego, California school districts through weekly instruction, performance opportunities, and instrument loans and maintenance.
The Student (Recording) Studio
David's Harp Foundation's Student Studio program is a transformative initiative serving San Diego foster youth, juvenile offenders, and homeless youth. This program leverages the power of music and multimedia production to create positive change and provide a creative outlet for young individuals.
Passport to the Music Industry
Notes For Notes' Passport to the Music Industry prepares youth for careers in the music industry by nurturing their diverse skills and curiosities. The program provides participants with the space and financial support needed to explore potential career paths in the music industry.
Songwriting Retreat for Veterans
SongwritingWith:Soldier's retreat program offers 3-day songwriting retreats for veterans. These in-depth retreats combine wellness and workshop settings based on positive psychology to help veterans craft songs about their combat experiences and the transition back home. The program also provides ongoing post-retreat support.
Industry-Sponsored Funds
Industry-Sponsored Funds are established by individuals and organizations within the music products industry to support programs and projects that are aligned with The NAMM Foundation's mission.
Bill Collings Memorial Fund
The fund supports student and teaching guitar education and was established in the loving memory of Bill. He was the creative force behind Collings Guitars for over 40 years.
Liz Reisman Fund for School Music Education
The fund was created to advance music education and honors the legacy and memory of former NAMM board member and music industry leader, Liz Reisman.
The MIDI Fund
The fund supports projects and programs that advance engagement in music making and the varied and unique options to make, create and explore music made possible by MIDI.