In order to receive church music grants, know what is the calling of that music ministry, determine what kind of grant you need and take classes on how to write them. Network within the church body and cultivate relationships by asking for suggestions from foundations, charities, businesses, other church groups, government agencies and corporations that offer grants. Check with your denominational headquarters to see whether grants are available from church-related foundations, and research groups with similar values that might want to offer financial assistance.
The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW), in Grand Rapids, Michigan, supports congregations who seek to engage in a year-long process of worship renewal (see Resources). The CICW awards nearly half a million dollars to support a variety of worship renewal projects in many churches and organizations across North America.
The Presbyterian Associations of Musicians (PAM) grants seed money for educational activities and events related to church music (see Resources). PAM grants assist with planning workshops, concerts, and other musical experiences designed to inspire church musicians, pastors and lay persons.
The Wabash Center provides grants for activities that enhance teaching and learning in the fields of religion and theology. Proposals must demonstrate the practical application of teaching and learning methods, including the research and study of pedagogical issues. The center recently awarded a proposal for Resourcing the Teaching of American Church Music History to help support a consultation on teaching U.S. church music history and to expand and refine suggested core principles that encourage teaching and learning.
The Mockingbird Foundation (http://www.mockingbirdfoundation.org/) gives music education grants to children. Mockingbird is primarily interested in projects that encourage and foster creative expression in any musical form (including composition, instrumentation, vocalization or improvisation) and encourages applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms and philosophies. Funding amounts range from $50 to $5,000 and are one-time only grants. Grants are typically made only to nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code, or those with a sponsoring agency with 501(c)(3) status. Application proposals are by invitation only. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.