Summerfest Foundation, Inc. Currently Accepting Music Education Grant Applications For 2016

April 5, 2016 – The Summerfest Foundation is excited to announce applications are now being accepted for 2016 Music Education Grants up to $5,000.  More information and the application is available at summerfestfoundation.org.  This year’s Music Education Grant cycle will close May 16, 2016. Qualifying applicants must be non-profit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status or K-12 schools located in Southeastern Wisconsin. 

In recognition of the positive effect music education has on the quality of children’s lives, the Music Education Grants program, now in its second year, was developed to support in-school, after-school and summer education programs in instrumental music.  Last year, Summerfest Foundation, Inc. was proud to award ten area schools and non-profit organizations, five of which were Milwaukee Public Schools, with music education grants totalling $25,000.

“The Summerfest Foundation, Inc. Music Education Grant supported the efforts of our instrumental program in so many ways,” said Jaimie Shores, Band/Orchestra/Music Teacher for Golda Meir who was able to buy instrumental supplies and sheet music for her students.  “Sheet music is expensive and I was able to provide performance ensembles from middle school and high school with the music they needed to play concerts and compete in the Wisconsin School Music Association Concert Festival.  The music classroom is a place of creativity, comradery and excellence.  Music connects us all and, thanks to the Summerfest Foundation, Inc. Music Education Grant, the students at my school are on a journey that they will never forget.” 

Funding for proposed activities will occur between June 2, 2016 and May 31, 2017.  Grant applications and guidelines are available at summerfestfoundation.org.  Although online applications are preferred, submissions may also be made by mail, hand delivery or private carrier. Individual and commercial organizations are not eligible.   

Summerfest Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, was formed in June 2011 to support the initiatives of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., which include charitable and educational purposes, and providing a showcase for the performing arts.  Each year, Summerfest Foundation, Inc. produces various events and programs designed to raise awareness and funding, as well as other benefits for its mission and other charitable partners.  Events have included, the Summerfest Rock ’n Sole Run and Big Gig Dress Rehearsal, which both select charitable partners to share in the proceeds for each event.  Other programs have included music education initiatives, such as Summerfest’s Big Band Camp, which provides a free day long, hands-on educational experience and music clinics.