The Music Education Innovator Award celebrates visionary K–12 music educators whose inclusive and innovative programs expand access and sustain student engagement in music. To be eligible, programs must be part of the regular school day, not offered exclusively after school or as extracurricular activities.

Each award includes a $4,000 cash grant to strengthen music programs that are beyond the start-up phase and have demonstrated success — whether at the applicant’s current school or through prior work..

Awardees will also:

• Receive national visibility through press releases and Give A Note’s social platforms
• Join an exclusive cohort of Music Education Innovator Award recipients, both past and present.
• Be honored at the Music Pro ’26 conference in Los Angeles, March 27–29, 2026 (all expenses paid)

Note for Applicants: Reviewers may not be music educators themselves. Please write responses in clear, plain language that communicates both the impact and the innovation of your program.

We want every applicant to feel supported in sharing their story. If you have difficulty writing out your responses, please email juliana@giveanote.org to request an accommodation. We can arrange for you to submit video responses in place of written answers.

 Timeline:

• Applications will be accepted through 11:59pm ET on Saturday, October 25, 2025. 
• Semifinalists will be notified and asked to submit a short video (any resolution) of them leading their program by 11:59pm ET on November 15, 2025.
• Winners will be notified no later than January 15, 2026.
• Winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the MusicPro ’26 conference, March 27–29, 2026 in Los Angeles, which includes professional development opportunities, music industry networking, and a special awards recognition dinner.

Estimated completion time: 2–3 hours, depending on how much optional material you include. You may save your progress and return later.

Section 1: Applicant & School Information

Section 2: Eligibility Confirmation

By selecting “Yes” below, you confirm that:

• Your school is publicly funded.
• You work as a K–12 music teacher (elementary, middle, or high school).
• This program is part of the regular school day (not exclusively after-school or extracurricular).
• This music program or approach has already been implemented and shown success with students.

Section 3: About Your Program

Section 4: Reflection, Sustainability, & Leadership

Section 5: Budget & Resources

Section 6: Documentation & Supporting Materials

Section 7: Final Details

Section 8: Legal & Grant Conditions

Quick Summary of Grant Conditions

Before you check “I Accept,” here are the key things to know:

• Funds may be used for program needs like instructional materials, equipment, technology, curriculum, student activities, or guest professionals in the classroom.
• Funds may not be used for parties, fundraising events, endowments, capital campaigns, religious activities, or programs that exclude students.
• Payment is made in one lump sum, issued after the grant agreement and invoice are signed by both you and your principal, and received by Give A Note.
• Acknowledgment is required in print, online, and program materials. Logos and a press release template will be provided.
• Reporting: A final report is due within 30 days of the grant period, no later than April 30, 2027. You may also be asked for a brief mid-year update.
• Media use: By accepting, you allow Give A Note to share submitted photos, videos, or quotes unless restricted by law or school policy.
• Return of funds: Unused or misapplied funds must be returned.

 

FULL LEGAL & GRANT CONDITIONS

(Yes, please read this!)

Allowable Use of Funds

Grant funds may be used to support direct program costs such as instructional materials, equipment, technology, curriculum development, student-centered activities, or guest professionals in the classroom that further the objectives of the funded music program.

Ineligible Activities

Give A Note Foundation does not fund:

• Costs of parties, receptions, fundraising benefits, etc.
• Endowments or capital campaigns
• Activities that are primarily religious in purpose
• Programs that are not inclusive or accessible to all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or disability status 

Lobbying

No part of a Give A Note Foundation grant shall be used for any activity intended to influence a member of Congress or state legislature to favor or oppose any legislation.

Acknowledgment of Give A Note Foundation Support

In all published material regarding the activity supported, acknowledgment must be made that the activity is partially supported by a grant from Give A Note Foundation. This acknowledgment should be included in programs, print and online newsletters, educational materials, brochures, posters, news releases, websites, catalogues, and videos. Upon receipt of a grant, camera-ready logos and materials, including a draft press release announcing your award, will be provided.

Grant Contract & Payment

• Each grant application must be signed by an individual with the authority to act on behalf of the applicant organization or school. A “signed application” form is the applicant’s agreement to do what is described in the application and to comply with the grant conditions stated here.
• A signed application is noted as one where the applicant selects “I Accept” below.
• When a grant is awarded, a letter will be sent to the applicant with confirmation of the award.
• Payment will be issued in a single lump sum after the grant agreement and invoice are signed by both the educator and their principal, and received by Give A Note.
• Major changes in activities, personnel, or budget must be approved in advance by Give A Note in writing.

Reporting Requirements

Give A Note Foundation requires a final report on each grant within 30 days of the end of the grant period, and no later than April 30, 2027, so that other districts or schools may learn from the resulting models.

• Final report forms will be made available to grantees at the appropriate time.
• Each grantee must maintain accurate financial records for any activity supported by Give A Note funds. The Foundation or its authorized representative shall have access to these records upon request.
• Grantees may be asked to provide a brief mid-year update on progress and use of funds.

Media Use

By accepting this grant, grantees consent to the use of submitted materials (images, video, quotes) by Give A Note Foundation for promotional and reporting purposes, unless otherwise restricted by law or school policy.

Return of Funds

Any grant funds not expended for the approved purposes, or expended in violation of these conditions, must be returned to Give A Note Foundation.