Next Lift Award Application Deadline:
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
11:59 pm EST
What is a Lift Award?
A Lift Award is an investment in your future in music.
Every month, we award young musicians microgrants of up to $250 each.
Lift Awards are designed to give you that boost you need to level up in your study of music.
Need a new mouthpiece? A set of strings? A repair for your instrument?
Lift Music Fund is here for you, when you need it.
Rules & Eligibility
Lift Awards are open to students aged 11 to 22 who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) and who reside in the United States.
Lift Awards can be requested in amounts up to $250.
Applications require a teacher recommendation (from a music teacher when possible). The recommendation form can be found here.
Applications and teacher recommendations are both due on the 15th day of the month at 11:59 pm EST. Applicants will be notified and checks go out to recipients on the last day of the same month.
If awarded, students agree to submit a sharable short statement about the impact of the award to contact@liftmusicfund.org, or share about their award on social media, tagging us @liftmusicfund on Instagram and/or on Facebook.
Level up your music
FAQs
+ What are you looking for in a Lift Award recipient?
We are looking to fund students who show potential as musicians, through their attitude, work ethic, passion, and musical ability. You should also demonstrate why the funds will be impactful to your musical growth.
+ Who is eligible to apply for an award?
Lift Awards are open to students aged 11 to 22 who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) and who reside in the United States.
+ What can I request funding for?
You can request funding for anything that contributes to your musical education and professional growth. This includes but is not limited to:
- Equipment (i.e. mouthpieces, reeds, mallets, etc.)
- Instrument repairs & maintenance
- Lessons
- Application fees
- Program dues or tuition
- Books/sheet music
- Music software (i.e. Finale, Sibelius, Ableton, Logic Pro, etc.)
- Recording equipment
- Professional headshots
- Professional clothing for concerts or auditions
- Travel costs associated with auditions, lessons, performances, etc.
+ Can I request funding for more than one item at a time?
Yes! As long as the total is not more than $250.
+ If I receive a Lift Award, when can I apply again?
You can receive a Lift Award a maximum of 4 times within a 12-month span. After receiving a Lift Award, you'll be eligible to apply again after two monthly application cycles (example: if you win a September Lift Award, the next cycle you can apply for is December).
Please be sure to have a teacher submit a new recommendation when you re-apply.
+ Who will be reviewing my application?
Applications will be reviewed by a rotating panel of musicians and music educators.
+ Can I apply ahead for a later opportunity?
Yes, as long as the opportunity is within the next 12 months.
+ Can I apply for $250 towards something that costs more?
Yes! Just be sure to indicate in your application that you have other funds to go toward the total cost of the item.
+ If I don’t receive a Lift Award, can I contact you for feedback on my application?
If you would like feedback on your application, please email contact@liftmusicfund.org.
+ What if English isn’t my first language?
The review panel is first and foremost interested in seeing student potential and will not be evaluating based on the writing quality. You also have the option to record audio or video answers to the questions. If you are concerned about the English-language application, please contact us at contact@liftmusicfund.org, and we will be happy to help.
+ Can someone help me with my application?
Yes, but we ultimately want to hear from you in your own words, even if someone is assisting you with the application.