2026 Application and Instructions
The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. Applications are due on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
If applicant does not have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, the applicant may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Festival must take place outdoors in a public space.
An outdoor public space creates opportunities for social connections among people of all ages and backgrounds. - Festival must be free to the public with no reserved ticket, suggested donation, online registration, or RSVP required.
A free festival, with no prior steps or requirements to attend, minimizes barriers to participation and offers a more inclusive atmosphere for people of all socioeconomic circumstances. - Programming must feature professional musicians who are compensated for their performances.
Professional musicians ensure a level of artistic excellence for the audience to experience and support the live music ecosystem.
What makes a compelling application?
- Festival is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Festival helps drive dynamic social impact and/or economic impact.
- Festival is a unique offering in the community.
- Programming that features music and performance and is welcoming to all.
Refer to current festival grantees at levitt.org/festivals for examples. - A proven track record of producing festivals or community events.
Application Instructions
All applications must be completed online. Our online application system allows you to save your information and resume completing your application at a later time. For your reference, there is a suggested character count for each narrative question. The character count may be used as a guide to adequately answer each question, though your answers may consist of more or less than the number of characters suggested.
In addition to completing each application field, please be prepared to upload the following in order for your application to be considered complete; the maximum file size for each upload is 5 MB. You will not be able to submit an incomplete application.
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter of the applicant organization or fiscal sponsor (PDF)
- 2-3 images of the festival. File name should include the festival name, city, and a brief description of the image. (high-res jpg or png) For example: Music Days Festival_Omaha_Main Stage Performance
Save Instructions
How to Save your application: Our online application system allows you to save your information and resume completing your application at a later time. To save your application, click the Save button at the bottom of the online form. You’ll be asked to provide an email address, then you’ll receive an email with a link to access your saved application.
Please note, if you leave the application page or close the browser while completing your application without clicking Save, the system will NOT save your work.
After clicking Save, you may continue to work on your application, though be sure to click Save again before leaving the application page. Additional changes made will then be saved to the application link previously emailed to you.
Click here for a PDF of the festival grant application. The PDF is for reference purposes only. All applications must be submitted online.
Grant recipients will be announced Tuesday, March 3, 2026.