Grant Application
Timeline
Thank you for your interest in PlayUSA. For the 2024–2025 season, the PlayUSA grant will not be open for external submissions. Please email playusa@carnegiehall.org with any questions.
The primary objectives of PlayUSA grants and support are to
- reduce the barriers to entry in music learning and performance for students from economically under-resourced communities
- make a transformative investment in the creativity and human development of students
- engage in partnerships with grantees that increase the organizational capacity, effectiveness, and impact of socially responsive instrumental instruction
Grant Criteria
In order to apply to be a part of Carnegie Hall’s PlayUSA, an organization must
- provide equitable instrumental instruction to K–12 students
- reduce the barriers to entry in music learning and performance for K–12 students by providing no-cost instruction
- provide sustained high-quality music instruction in private, small group, or ensemble settings to a diverse pool of students
- provide instruments to young people by subsidizing instrument rental, purchase, and repair
- demonstrate interest in joining a national network of community-based music programs to discuss best teaching practices and engage in yearlong professional development
PlayUSA partnership includes
- financial support for new or expanded programmatic work
- program development consultation in working with partners to solve problems, address challenges, and build on best practices in the field
- professional development both online and in-person for music educators to support delivery of exceptional programs