The Meredith Willson Awards, offered by The Music Man Foundation, provide substantial multi-year general operating support to national programs and organizations leveraging music to drive systemic change. In 2025, the Foundation anticipates awarding grants to 3–8 organizations, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over two years. Funding must be allocated by December 31, 2027, and is restricted to nationally focused programming.

Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status since January 2022 or earlier, conduct programming with a national focus in at least three U.S. states or territories, and have used music in their programming since January 2022. A paid employee dedicated to national music programming must have been on staff (part- or full-time) since January 1, 2024. Organizations with structural deficits, fiscally sponsored groups, and recipients of certain other Music Man Foundation grants in 2024 are ineligible.

Applicants must submit a Leadership Letter by January 24, 2025, at 5 PM PT, introducing their organization and detailing how their work impacts systems change using music. The letter should articulate the system being addressed, explain the organization’s leadership role and collaborations, and demonstrate why music is integral to their approach. Additional required documents include summaries of primary programs, organizational budgets for the current and most recent fiscal years, and program budgets for national efforts.

Selection Criteria emphasize the organization’s ability to address systemic challenges, commitment to diversity and inclusion, collaborative leadership, and evidence of program impact. Successful applicants will show a deep understanding of the system they aim to change, demonstrate measurable progress, and have clear plans for sustainability.

The timeline for this funding opportunity includes optional information sessions on December 16, 2024, and January 9, 2025, as well as office hours on January 10, 14, and 16, 2025. Selected organizations will be invited in March 2025 to submit a full application, with site visits and interviews conducted between April and July. Awards will be announced in November 2025.

For guidance, applicants can consult the Foundation’s grant portal instructions or contact inquiries@musicmanfoundation.org. This prestigious grant opportunity represents the Foundation’s commitment to using music as a transformative tool to create systemic and lasting change. Organizations aligned with these goals are encouraged to apply.