The National Endowment for the Arts is the best place to start if you are part of an organization that needs arts funding. Some grants, such as the Save America's Treasures Grant, are geared toward preserving art rather than creating it. Others are geared toward specific types of music, such as the American Masterpieces: Chamber Music Grant. The NEA also supports radio and television through the Arts on Radio and Television Grant. Most grants offered by the NEA are between $10,000 and $150,000, but because the NEA offer grants to organizations, the overall range is $5,000 to $250,000. Some grants require you to register at the grants.gov website to apply.
Jonathan Larson Grants are designed to support lyricists, composers and book writers (individual or group) who work in music theater. The grant is given in recognition of Larson, creator of the hit musical "Rent." Approximately 15 to 20 applicants are selected to receive these grants per year, with the money used to support the careers of new and upcoming music theater artists. You must be working in music theater to apply, although you may be working in other genres simultaneously. A resume, personal statement and a CD of three to six songs must be submitted with the application. More information is available from the American Theatre Wing (see Reference).
The annual Music Matters Grant is awarded by the Muzak Heart and Soul Association and ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $12,000. Its purpose is to support music education, so applicants have to apply on behalf of a public school system or nonprofit institution that employs a music educator. Priority is given to schools that have K-12 music programs and support the underprivileged. The grant is not awarded to schools with religious affiliations or operating deficits, and applicants must be from the U.S. Music therapy and dance are not supported by the grant; it has to be used for general music education, such as choir and band programs.