Talented independent artists seeking grants to support their musical journey need not look further. Here are some of our top recommended grants for musicians in need of support. Keep in mind some of these have min/max age restrictions (not our favorite thing), but some of the best ones do not. Make sure you check out the whole list...
Grants For Independent Musicians In 2025
National Endowment for the Arts
“Through our work, the NEA aims to strengthen the non-profit music ecosystem by supporting projects that have potential regional, national, or field-wide significance, and that nurture the interdependent relationships between and among stakeholders. Organizations of all types and sizes may apply for presentation, professional development, engagement, music and health, and service projects.”
Applicants are eligible to request cost share/matching grants for musicians, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. It is important to note that applications must solely pertain to projects. The types of projects supported include:
Public presentations of musical works
Commissions and/or co-commissions
Development and performances of new musical compositions and innovative works
Performances and educational engagements by NEA Jazz Masters that honor their work, history, style, and/or significance to jazz; and broaden public awareness of the art form
Domestic touring (NEA Music grants cannot support international tours)
Festivals and other events (may include performances, lecture-demonstrations, audience talkbacks, master classes, and workshops)
Furthermore, you may review the complete list of requirements and guidelines here prior to submitting your application. There are two application cycles, each with multiple deadlines to consider. View those deadlines here.
The ASCAP Foundation Scholarships
The ASCAP Foundation Scholarship programs are designed to ensure that music education opportunities are accessible to students at all educational levels. With a wide array of options available, the programs offer a diverse range of opportunities for musicians from various backgrounds seeking support. Notable scholarships include the Asian American Pacific Islander Scholarship, Betty Rose Scholarship, and HBCU Scholarship, among others. There is an extensive list of options for high school, college, or university students seeking assistance.
Check out the full list right here.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants
The Foundation for Contemporary Arts provides emergency grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 to U.S.-based artists across all disciplines. These grants are intended for artists who encounter sudden opportunities or unexpected expenses related to presenting their work to the public.
💫 Scroll down to the MUSIC section to find music focused Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and artists are encouraged to apply six to eight weeks before the funding is needed.
peermusic Latin Music Award
The peermusic Latin Award is an annual competition designed for student songwriters and composers specializing in Latin music. Established in 2003 through the generosity and vision of peermusic CEO, Ralph Peer II, this award is one of the few of its kind. For two decades, the program has supported emerging musicians who have subsequently excelled in television, film, recorded music, and concert performance. Each year, a $5,000 scholarship is awarded for the best original song or instrumental composition in any Latin genre. Eligibility requirements are as follows:
must be between the ages of 17 and 24 as of February 15, 2025.
must be based in the United States or Puerto Rico.
may only submit one application per BMI Foundation awards program.
may not submit the same musical work to more than one BMI Foundation awards program.
may only submit works that have not been assigned to any major music publisher or major record label.
must not have had any musical work commercially recorded or distributed.
may only apply if they have not previously won the peermusic Latin Music Award. (Honorable mention may apply again.)
For additional information, visit their website right here.
New Music Creator Fund
The New Music Creator Fund provides grants to individual music creators across all genres who require assistance to advance their creative endeavors. This program covers expenses associated with collaboration with other artists and practitioners. Its objective is to empower music creators to take the initiative in developing both new and existing ideas and projects. Furthermore, the fund supports and represents a diverse array of individuals nationwide and across the musical spectrum. The program distributes a total of 50 to 60 awards, each up to $5,000 (with the average grant being $3,000).
With this fund, artists can use the money for things like:
Support for the time you need to create new material and initiate new collaborations with your proposed artist(s)
Creation fees for a work in progress that does not have additional support
Performer or other collaborator fees
Project specific equipment
Recording costs
PR/marketing
Technical assistance/skills building
Support for digital presentation/creation of music videos
Workshopping
Joint R&D (research and development) into new project ideas
Other costs you consider to be essential e.g. childcare for yourself or a collaborating artist
Interested? Applications submitted in 2024 are presently under review, with deadlines differing based on your location. Please verify your region here to determine if you are still eligible to apply in your state.
The BMI Foundation’s New Music Grants program is conducted on an invitation-only basis. Currently, invitations for the 2025 grants have been concluded. // To be considered for an invitation for the 2026 New Music Grants, organizations are required to review the eligibility criteria and submit the preliminary form by November 1, 2025.
Shay Mizz + Sound Royalties
Shay Mizz, a music producer and artist, has partnered with Sound Royalties to offer financial solutions specifically designed for musicians, producers, and songwriters. This collaboration provides royalty advances, allowing artists to access funds upfront without requiring credit checks, personal collateral, or financial statements.
It is important to emphasize that this initiative is structured as a royalty advance, not a traditional grant. Artists receive funds in advance in exchange for a portion of their future royalty earnings over a predetermined period. This model offers immediate financial support while aligning repayment with the artist's income flow.
If you are interested, please complete a brief form at www.soundroyalties.com/apply/. Submit your royalty streams to one of their Royalty Specialists, and their team will assess your application to offer three personalized music funding options with projected earnings for the upcoming year. They will assist in identifying additional streams you may not be collecting and help you select the most suitable option. You will be kept informed throughout the process, and transactions are typically funded within a few business days upon receipt of the required documents and acknowledgments from royalty payors.
Before you dive into this one, be sure to do your research! Get more information right here.
To wrap it all up…
So there we have it, "Grants For Independent Musicians In 2025". Navigating the journey as an independent musician involves numerous mental and financial challenges. Fortunately, there are foundations dedicated to offering resources to artists seeking support to advance their careers. If you have missed the deadlines for some of these grants, consider keeping them in mind for next year. You cannot predict the opportunities that may arise if you do not make the attempt.
For more amazing information like the above, be sure to follow ADAM 4 Artists on your favorite social platform here... we are committed to dropping more quick bites on social in 2025!
Good luck!
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