Greg Cahill, President of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music, asked us to remind everyone that the 2012 deadline for special projects grant applications is looming.
$8000 has been set aside to fund grants in the names of Earl Scruggs and Warren Hellman, a pair of legends we have lost in recent months. Applications must be received by August 15 for individual $2,000-$4,000 awards to 501(c) (3) organizations and recognized governmental entities (public schools, colleges,etc.).
To qualify, these projects must “foster innovative development in the world of bluegrass music,” according to Foundation guidelines, with particular consideration given to projects that involve education or youth bluegrass efforts.
In deciding whether your project is likely to qualify, Foundation staff offers this handy list of questions.
- Does the program or project directly involve bluegrass music?
- Does the program or project address a priority need of or opportunity facing the bluegrass music community? What is its nature and scope and the number of people served by this project?
- Does the program or project duplicate any other existing initiative?
- Will the program or project have a significant impact on a need or opportunity in the bluegrass music community, what outcome will be achieved, and how will it be measured?
- Does the program or project have a demonstrated sound financial plan?
- Will this grant constitute matching funds?
- After this program or project is completed, how will funding continue? If not funded, what is the effect?
- Does the program or project have a broad base of support such as volunteer involvement, public participation, and/or collaboration with other organizations?
In case it isn’t obvious, yes answers are good.
It is notable that the Foundation is honoring Scruggs and Hellman with these grants. The contributions of Earl Scruggs to bluegrass music need hardly be explained. In fact, it is arguable that we would not be discussing the genre but for his banjo playing. Hellman’s, however, may be less well known, as his were in the philanthropic realm. Warren drew on his substantial fortune to fund the annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San Francisco, among other endeavors.
Cahill also sees the named awards in 2012 as wholly appropriate.
“In remembrance of these two highly creative individuals who have left huge footprints in the history of American music in the areas of performance and event production, we will allocate funds to foster innovation in the world of bluegrass music. We are very pleased to honor the memory of these brilliant men in this way.”
More details and a grant application form can be found on the Foundation For Bluegrass Music web site.
