About Us
Music Drives Us (MDU) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that proudly supports innovators who strive to preserve and produce musical opportunities for all communities throughout New England. Through our grant cycle and generous supporters, MDU is able to support music education programs, supply schools with musical instruments, sponsor music therapy programs, and so much more.
Music Drives Us is proud to provide support in order to preserve and produce musical opportunities for all communities throughout New England. The three main grants offered during our Grant Cycle are the Organizational Grant, Performance Grant, and Instrument Grant. Read on to learn more and determine which grant would best suit your school or organization's musical education needs! **
Music Drives Us is proud to provide support in order to preserve and produce musical opportunities for all communities throughout New England. The three main grants offered during our Grant Cycle are the Organizational Grant, Performance Grant, and Instrument Grant. Read on to learn more and determine which grant would best suit your school or organization's musical education needs! **
Organizational grants
Guidelines for Organizational Grants
Music Drives Us strives to accomplish its mission by offering Organizational Grants. These grants are intended for organizations that are interested in using music as an educational tool for all segments of society and for all age groups.
Through its Organizational Grants, Music Drives Us will provide support to institutions that have either seen dramatic cuts in funding for musical education or are unable to fund a music program within their institution. These institutions include public & private school systems, charter schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Eligibility Criteria:
Questions?
If you have any questions, then please email us at grants@musicdrivesus.org.
Due to the volume of applications received by Music Drives Us, we kindly ask you to apply only once within a given year.
Through its Organizational Grants, Music Drives Us will provide support to institutions that have either seen dramatic cuts in funding for musical education or are unable to fund a music program within their institution. These institutions include public & private school systems, charter schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The organization must be located in New England.
- The grant must provide musical opportunities for a group. For example, support of a school marching band, a musical education series, a new music classroom, etc.
- If requesting funding for a program with set dates, please note the program must take place after the Grant Cycle (May 1 – August 1) and grant application review process, which can take up to three (3) months. If the program takes place during this block of time, we kindly ask that you plan accordingly and apply in advance for the following calendar year's program in order to be fairly considered. Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis.
- If the organization is a recognized 501(c)(3), it must be in good standing with the IRS.
- The organization must be willing to provide Music Drives Us with statistics regarding the number of individuals aided by the grant money and, when possible, provide Music Drives Us with anecdotal stories.
- Within one year of the grant period, the organization must be willing to provide Music Drives Us with a full account of grant money usage
Questions?
If you have any questions, then please email us at grants@musicdrivesus.org.
Due to the volume of applications received by Music Drives Us, we kindly ask you to apply only once within a given year.
performance grants
Guidelines for Musical Performance Grants
Music Drives Us strives to support musicians who have a passion for the shared musical performance experience. Throughout New England, talented musical groups are struggling to obtain funds to provide free concert series in schools, after-school programs, and public spaces in town to interested listeners.
Music Drives Us will work with New England musicians to build or support a program that uses grants to compensate them for their time and expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
Types of Concert Series
Music Drives Us supports varied musical genres such as jazz, classical music, blues, rock and roll, or international music.
Questions?
If you have any questions, then please email us at grants@musicdrivesus.org.
Due to the volume of applications received by Music Drives Us, we kindly ask you to apply only once within a given year.
Music Drives Us will work with New England musicians to build or support a program that uses grants to compensate them for their time and expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Provide concerts in New England.
- Grant all patrons free access to their concerts.
- Incorporate a musical education component into their concerts.
- Hold a concert series in areas that could not otherwise afford to pay for the event.
- The event must take place after the Grant Cycle (May 1-August 1) and grant application review process, which can take up to three (3) months. If the concert takes place during this block of time, we kindly ask that you plan accordingly and apply in advance for the following calendar year's program in order to be fairly considered. Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis.
Types of Concert Series
Music Drives Us supports varied musical genres such as jazz, classical music, blues, rock and roll, or international music.
Questions?
If you have any questions, then please email us at grants@musicdrivesus.org.
Due to the volume of applications received by Music Drives Us, we kindly ask you to apply only once within a given year.
instrument grants
Guidelines for Instrument Grants
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Music Drives Us strives to accomplish its mission by offering Instrument Grants. This grant is intended for schools and organizations that are in need of instruments to begin a music program or provide support to an existing program.
Through its Instrument Grant, Music Drives Us will provide instruments to institutions that have an immediate need for support. These institutions include public & private school systems, charter schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Through this grant, schools and organizations will receive brand new instruments from our vendor, Manchester Music Mill. |
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Eligibility Criteria:
- The organization must be located in New England.
- The grant must provide musical opportunities for a group. For example, support of a school marching band, a musical education series, a music classroom, or an after-school music program.
- If requesting instruments for a program with set dates, please note the program must take place after the Grant Cycle (May 1 – August 1) and grant application review process, which can take up to three (3) months. If the program takes place during this block of time, we kindly ask that you plan accordingly and apply in advance for the following calendar year's program in order to be fairly considered. Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis.
- If the organization is a recognized 501(c)(3), it must be in good standing with the IRS.
- The organization must be willing to provide Music Drives Us with statistics regarding the number of individuals aided by the grant and, when possible, provide Music Drives Us with anecdotal stories.
Questions?
If you have any questions, then please email us at grants@musicdrivesus.org.
Due to the volume of applications received by Music Drives Us, we kindly ask you to apply only once within a given year.
Music Drives Us is proud to offer awards and scholarships, as well as our grants, during our Grant Cycle! You may learn more about these opportunities below:
The Sibby Hashian Drive for drums
Guidelines for Drive for Drums Scholarship
One full drum kit will be awarded annually to a devoted, passionate, and aspiring young drummer in the New England area. Applicants may apply by submitting an essay of 500 words or less to Music Drives Us, detailing their first experience drumming & their aspirations, and explaining their need of a full drum kit for personal use. All applicants must also include a video link of their drum solo. Schools and nonprofits may also apply for their classroom.
Eligibility Criteria:
“Sibby Hashian was a father, husband, grandfather, and my dear friend. He was a legendary rock drummer, and his presence is truly missed. Sibby’s passion for music and playing the drums emanated off the stage each time he played. It was one of the greatest honors of my life to play with him, but more importantly to call him my friend. Sibby was a longtime ambassador to Music Drives Us. He donated much of his time and resources to progress our mission. In honor of his legacy, Music Drives Us has established The Sibby Hashian Drive for Drums. This award of one full drum kit will be given annually to a student in New England who has the drive and fervor for drumming. Sib wanted everyone to have an equal opportunity to pursue their love of music, and this is our small part in carrying on his everlasting legacy.”
-Ernie Boch Jr., Founder of Music Drives Us
Eligibility Criteria:
- The individual or organization must be located in the New England region.
- The individual must be between the ages of 9 & 18.
- Applications must include an essay of 500 words or less and a video link of their drum solo.
- All applicants must submit components by August 1st, 2019.
“Sibby Hashian was a father, husband, grandfather, and my dear friend. He was a legendary rock drummer, and his presence is truly missed. Sibby’s passion for music and playing the drums emanated off the stage each time he played. It was one of the greatest honors of my life to play with him, but more importantly to call him my friend. Sibby was a longtime ambassador to Music Drives Us. He donated much of his time and resources to progress our mission. In honor of his legacy, Music Drives Us has established The Sibby Hashian Drive for Drums. This award of one full drum kit will be given annually to a student in New England who has the drive and fervor for drumming. Sib wanted everyone to have an equal opportunity to pursue their love of music, and this is our small part in carrying on his everlasting legacy.”
-Ernie Boch Jr., Founder of Music Drives Us
Dayna Brunelli memorial scholarship
Guidelines for Dayna Brunelli Memorial Scholarship
Dayna Brunelli passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2016 at the age of 28. Dayna attended Hofstra University for performing arts, as her passion was in music and theater. She also attended University of Massachusetts Boston for business. She started her professional career at the Hard Rock Café in Boston, MA as the Sales and Marketing Manager and later took on a similar role at Dave & Buster’s in Braintree, MA. Dayna was very active in local organizations, and was a cherished Music Drives Us ambassador.
In Dayna’s memory a $1,500.00 scholarship will be awarded annually to students from New Hampshire or the Greater Boston Area who are or will be continuing music education. Applicants may apply by explaining how music has impacted their lives and sharing a short video demonstrating their musical passion.
Eligibility Criteria:
For more information about the Dayna Brunelli Memorial Scholarship, please visit: http://www.daynabrunellischolarship.org/
In Dayna’s memory a $1,500.00 scholarship will be awarded annually to students from New Hampshire or the Greater Boston Area who are or will be continuing music education. Applicants may apply by explaining how music has impacted their lives and sharing a short video demonstrating their musical passion.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Students must reside New Hampshire or the Greater Boston Area.
- applicants must be seniors in high school entering higher education or currently enrolled in college.
- It is imperative that this scholarship is to be used to further the individual’s musical or performing arts education. The scholarship may be used toward tuition, special coaching lessons, summer camp fees, etc.
- All applicants must submit the application components by August 1, 2019.
For more information about the Dayna Brunelli Memorial Scholarship, please visit: http://www.daynabrunellischolarship.org/
Grant applications will become available when the grant cycle opens on May 1st. We encourage all potential applicants to review our Grant Disclosures, which are included before each grant application. This information is imperative to the application process and applicant eligibility.
Grant Disclosures
Music Drives Us Grant Disclosures
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
- The person who completes the grant application must be the individual requesting funding or instruments. Applications may not be submitted by someone else on behalf of a teacher or school/organization. The grant applicant will be the primary point of contact.
- It is imperative to the application process that the head administrator of your school or organization is aware that you are applying for this grant and what the grant would be specifically supporting.
- If you have received a grant from Music Drives Us in the past, please wait 3 years before reapplying.
- Emails and phone numbers must go directly to the points of contact. Personal emails and phone numbers are acceptable. Please do not provide the main phone number for the school/organization. If using a phone number within the school/organization, please include the extension.
- Please provide the address for the school/organization that the requested instruments or funding will be delivered to. Instruments and checks will not be delivered to homes or personal addresses.
- While we ask for the Tax Exempt Number or Tax ID Number in the application, please keep in mind that if you are awarded a grant, Music Drives Us will ask for a copy of the school/organization’s W-9 Form. This is standard procedure. Likewise, if you have been awarded a Performance Grant, please note we will not send you a 1099 form.
- If you have requested funding for instruments, and your request is approved, the instruments on your wish list will be purchased by Music Drives Us through our own vendor. If the preferred brand is unattainable, we will purchase a comparable alternative. We will not cut checks to be used towards alternate vendors.
- Music Drives Us tries to coordinate grant site visits with as many grant recipients as our schedule permits. We greatly appreciate your understanding if we are unable to make a visit to your school/organization.
- Please keep in mind that Music Drives Us does not conduct site visits to schools/organizations that are not grant recipients.
- Due to the volume of applications being handled during the review process, decisions can take up to three (3) months. All applicants will be notified once final decisions are made.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
**Please note that applicants may only apply for one (1) grant per given year. The purpose of this guideline is to differentiate each grant and to assist applicants in determining which grant best suits their needs. Per policy, Music Drives Us cannot advise applicants which grant to apply for. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Valued Partners
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Through the Instrument Grant, schools and organizations receive brand new instruments from our vendor, Manchester Music Mill.
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Questions?
If you have any questions, then please email us at grants@musicdrivesus.org.