Community Impact Grants Initiative

The Community Impact Grants Initiative encourages piano educators to develop and implement community-based projects that impact community, advance community causes, and facilitate inclusion, representation and accessibility in music education.  

Grant recipients are expected to:

• Develop projects, individual or collaborations, that have a measurable impact within studios or communities.
• Foster innovative approaches to advance piano education.
• Advance community causes and facilitate inclusion, representation, and accessibility in music education.

Funding is available through the Elvina Pearce Education Fund at The Frances Clark Center. Individual grants range from $500 to $2,500 and support both seed funding and projects that are already in development. These grants are intended to assist community-based projects.

Potential projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Host accessible music workshops, events, festivals in collaboration with local organizations ensuring inclusive participation in music education.
• Purchase adaptive educational resources or build music libraries that feature diverse composers, accessible materials, and resources representing various cultural perspectives.
• Engage guest artists or experts specializing in accessibility in music education, offering workshops or performances that highlight diversity in music. 
• Implement innovative technology to provide access and opportunity.
• Collaborate with community organizations, such as those focused on environmental issues, social justice, healthcare, or displaced individuals, to advance piano education.
• Publish or commission innovative projects that align with the goals of this initiative.
• Develop mentorship or after-school programs that directly support students’ participation in music, providing regular access to instruments, practice facilities, and learning opportunities.
• Create opportunities that support lifelong learning and recreational music making. 

The grant is open to individuals and collaborative groups who:

• Are involved in piano education.
• Have a clearly defined community impact project that aligns with the goals of this initiative.
• Are able to receive U.S.-based funding.

Applications will be submitted online and must include:

• Primary Contact Information: Names of key individuals involved in the project, including the primary contact, along with their email addresses.
• Project Proposal: A project proposal (1,000 words or less) outlining the community need, how the project addresses the goals of this initiative, and its impact on the community.
• Project Abstract: A concise abstract summarizing the project, not to exceed 350 words.
• Budget: A detailed budget showing how the grant funds will be used.
• Timeline: A project timeline, including key milestones and completion dates.
• Collaborators/Partners: A list of potential collaborators or community partners, along with letters of support where applicable.
• Curriculum Vitae: A current CV for each key individual involved in the project. File name format: Lastname_Firstname. Max file size: 6 MB.
• Supporting Materials: Any additional materials that support the application, such as project examples or other relevant documents.