The Music Outreach Foundation Access Grant

Eligibility Criteria: 

To qualify for a grant, applicants must be Oklahoma public schools with an existing music program or a demonstrated history of arts or music programming. Applicants should demonstrate financial need or a clear lack of resources that limits student access to instrumental music opportunities. Requests must directly support student participation in music programs and align with the purpose of the grant.

Eligible use of funds may include:

Instruments, sheet music and instructional materials, instrument repair and maintenance, music or arts supplies, guest artists, clinicians, or workshop leaders, transportation directly tied to the proposed program, student performance or enrichment opportunities, classroom equipment clearly tied to music or arts learning, or other direct program costs with a clear student benefit

Ineligible uses of funds:

Grant funds may not be used for general operating expenses unrelated to the proposed project, salaries not directly tied to the proposed activity, food, refreshments, or entertainment, fundraising events, donor-facing activities, facility renovations or construction, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, prizes, gifts, or promotional items, technology or materials unrelated to music or arts education, or programming that primarily benefits adults rather than students.

Reporting Requirements:

Grant recipients will be asked to complete two brief follow-up reports to document how funds were used and what impact the grant had on students and the school band program. 

1. Mid-Project Update

• Recipients will submit a short progress update midway through the grant period. This update may include implementation progress, student participation, early successes or challenges, and any purchases made to date. We may also request relevant receipts, invoices, purchase orders, quotes, or other supporting documentation for expenses incurred, as applicable. 

2. Final report

• At the conclusion of the grant period, recipients will be required to submit a final report through an online form. This report will include a summary of how funds were used, how students benefited, and what outcomes resulted from the grant. A final expenditure summary and any remaining relevant receipts, invoices, purchase records, photos, or other supporting documentation may also be required. 

Application Notes:

We welcome clear, concise responses. Supporting materials are optional. We recommend drafting your responses first in a separate document and copying them into the application when you are ready to submit. Each narrative response, when requested, should generally not exceed 750 words. 

Criteria for Evaluation:

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Clarity of Need

   The application clearly explains the need for funding and why the request matters for the school’s band program and students. 

2. Student Impact 

   The proposed use of funds demonstrates a clear and meaningful benefit to students, including expanded access to band participation, resources, or enrichment. 

3. Specificity of Request

   The application clearly identifies what the grant will fund and provides a reasonable, well-defined budget. 

4. Feasibility and Sustainability

   The proposed use of funds is appropriate for the grant amount and capable of being implemented within the stated timeline. Preference may be given to requests that provide lasting benefit to the band program or create ongoing value for students beyond a one-time event. 

5. Equity and Access

   Preference may be given to requests that expand access to band opportunities for students who may otherwise face financial, structural, or resource-related barriers. 

Questions?

Please contact us at musicoutreachfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions about the guidance above, this application, or the eligibility requirements for funding