Funding for Musicians: Subject Search Accelerator

The purpose of this Subject Search Accelerator is to provide musicians with quick delivery of resources for locating funding. Here you will find one-click searches leading to recent Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and library materials, as well as links to selected web resources and the latest publications about funding for musicians. To get started we recommend:

• Searching for foundations that support individual musicians by using Foundation Grants to Individuals Online. You can use it free of charge at any Foundation Center location or Cooperating Collection nationwide.
• Attending our free class Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts, either in the classroom or via webinar.
• Finding information on proposal writing for individual grantseekers at our FAQ "Where can I find information on proposal writing for individual grantseekers?"

Another path for musicians to consider when seeking grants from foundations is fiscal sponsorship. You may increase your chances of securing foundation support if you can find a nonprofit organization that will serve as your project's fiscal sponsor by receiving and administering the funds.  Learn more by reading our FAQ “What is a fiscal sponsor, and how do I find one?”

Web Sites

We have selected a few of the best web sites listing funding opportunities for musicians.

Resources from Foundation Center Libraries

The Catalog of Nonprofit Literature is a searchable database of the literature of philanthropy. Browse through the latest publications of interest to musicians.

For Individuals with Fiscal Sponsorship

Individual artists that have established a fiscal sponsorship arrangement should use the Center's Foundation Directory Online or Grants for Arts, Culture, and the Humanities to look for potential funders.