Mini-Grant Program

We are thrilled to be launching a new platform to provide direct support to our community. This year-round, needs-based program will be offering small project grants of up to $500 to folks of diverse backgrounds living, working, and playing American traditional music, all with the goal of making bluegrass, old-time, and American string band music more accessible to the people that love and play it.

Over the next 8 months, we will be distributing $4,500 in direct aid through this program, with the goal of providing nine or more grants before the end of the calendar year.  Funds will be distributed on a rolling basis as applications come in. Grant recipients will also be awarded a free Rainbow membership to Bluegrass Pride for one year. Grant projects and recipients will be announced publicly as awarded.

These grants can be applied to anything that helps support you and your ability to be a member of our wonderful inclusive music community! Examples include:

• Hotel stays
• Conference passes
• Music video production
• Application fees
• Software
• Gear
• Classes and training sessions
• Beginner instruments
• Living expenses
• And more!

You do not need to be a professional musician or a member of Bluegrass Pride to apply! These grants are aiming to provide resources to everyone from beginner pickers to touring musicians to industry professionals. All are welcome to apply; preference will be given to projects led by LGBTQ+ folks, Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian people, and women.

Applications will be evaluated based on how closely the project aligns with our mission to support and uplift queer and marginalized voices in American traditional music, how time-sensitive the request is, and how feasible your project plan is.

Interested? Think you qualify? Have a project in need of a cash infusion? Submit an application today!