Music Series Grants

 

About Levitt Music Series Grants

Levitt Music Series Grants are an exciting multi-year matching grant program made possible by the Levitt Foundation, a national creative placemaking funder dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music. As a foundation committed to building community through music, Levitt Music Series Grants activate underused public spaces, ensure access to the arts and create welcoming gathering places that foster belonging and connections among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Levitt Music Series grantees are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that receive three-year matching grants of up to $40K per year, for a total grant award of up to $120K, to present 7-10 free concerts each year that inject new life into underused public spaces, creating joyous, inclusive community destinations in towns and cities of all sizes.

Since 2015, the Levitt Foundation has awarded grants to more than 50 communities across America through the Levitt AMP, VIBE, and BLOC grant programs. Check out the nonprofits who have received Levitt Music Series Grants to present free outdoor concerts.

Applications for the 2026-2028 grant cycle are now closed. Out of over 300 proposals received, just over 100 nonprofits from across the country have advanced to the public voting phase. Help choose the top 50 Levitt Music Series Grants finalists by casting your vote from September 5–15, 2025, here!

 

 

Application Timeline

MAY 1 2025

Application opens

JUN 30 2025

Application closes

AUG 2025

Notifications for public voting period

SEP 5–15 2025

Public voting period

SEP 16 2025

Finalists announced

NOV 18 2025

Grant recipients announced

FEB 2026

Levitt Learning Conference in Los Angeles for new grantees

How It Works

  • Nonprofits complete registration form to determine which grant type (AMP, VIBE or BLOC) is the right fit for their community
  • Once grant type is determined, nonprofits complete an online grant application (a nonprofit may submit only one application for a Levitt Music Series grant)
  • The Levitt Foundation reviews all submitted applications; selected proposals advance to the public voting period and receive a mini grant of $1,500 and Levitt Voting Toolkit to support their efforts
  • Finalists determined by public voting are reviewed by the Levitt Foundation
  • Grants are awarded to U.S.-based nonprofits
  • Each grantee receives a three-year matching grant of up to $40K/year for three years (2026, 2027, 2028) to present a Levitt Music Series of 7-10 free outdoor concerts each year
  • Recognizing that Levitt concerts take place in all parts of the country, Levitt Music Series may take place between April 1-October 31 of each year. The frequency of concerts may be weekly, split into two seasons (for example, spring season/fall season), or every other week
  • Each Levitt Music Series features a musically diverse lineup of high-caliber talent
  • To ensure each grantee is positioned for success, grantees receive a Levitt Music Series Toolkit containing valuable resources, such as sample artist contract, sample press release, hosted page national Levitt website, eblast and social media templates, sponsorship package examples, list of talent agents, access to the Levitt Artist Booking Consultant, consultation with staff at the Levitt Foundation, and more
  • Grantees attend a Levitt Learning Conference in Los Angeles (expenses covered by Foundation) to explore best practices, exchange ideas and develop peer-to-peer connections

ARE YOU BASED IN TENNESSEE OR MISSISSIPPI?

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR NONPROFITS FROM THESE STATES!
What Makes A Compelling Proposal?

Levitt concerts are intended to create inclusive experiences, where all members of the community are welcome to participate in the joy of free, live music. The most compelling proposals will convey the following:

  • The public space where the free concert series is to be presented is easily accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances.
  • The public space is underused and activation of the space will create dynamic social and economic impact.
  • A programming philosophy that is inclusive, family-friendly and represents a wide range of music genres.
  • A proven track record of presenting professional quality concerts or community events or partnering with an individual or organization that has done so.
  • Partnerships with other organizations to broaden reach and deepen impact of the music series.

Eligibility Criteria for all applicants
  • Applicant must be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the same town, city, or county of the proposed music series.
  • The proposed music series must be free to the public.
  • The proposed public space where the free concerts would be presented must be outdoors, easily accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances, and have a lawn-like setting with no fixed seating.
  • The proposed public space is underused and activation of the space would create dynamic social and economic impact.
Read More

Cast Your Vote

 

From September 5-15, 2025, cast your vote(s) to help choose which nonprofits from across the country will become a top 50 Levitt Music Series Grants finalist—and one step closer to receiving up to $120K in matching funds to bring the joy of free outdoor concerts to their town or city in 2026, 2027, and 2028!

  • Reflecting our commitment that all Levitt programs be community-driven, the top 50 Levitt Music Series Grants finalists will be selected through public voting (online and via text). You may vote for up to 5 different proposals (but only once per proposal).
  • To vote online, visit the Levitt Music Series Grants leaderboard to view proposals and cast your vote(s).
  • To vote via text, text the unique KEYWORD of your favorite proposals to 1-877-409-5525.
  • The Levitt Foundation will then review the top 50 finalists and announce the Levitt Music Series grant recipients on November 18, 2025.

 

Vote Now