Photo credit: Derick Daily

Grants are an often overlooked way for musicians to get financial support. So to help bring awareness to this, let’s talk about what grants you can apply for in 2024 to help grow your music career.

Financial Support for Indie Musicians

Most musicians are focused on the more common sources of income, like music streaming or playing shows. But on top of that, indie musicians can earn money in a few other, more creative ways.

Grants

A grant is a financial award given by an organization or non-profit to support specific aspects of your music career.

In addition to the financial support, you can also get a bit of exposure. Usually, the granter will put out a press release and post the winner on social media. Also, winning a grant is definitely something you should include in your Electronic Press Kit.

And, as long as you’re eligible, grants often come with artistic freedom, allowing you to maintain independence and control over your work.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is when you tap your audience to help fund a specific project. Recording an album? Going on tour? You can launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds and give your supporters exclusive stuff in exchange.

The most well-known crowdfunding platforms right now include Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe.

Patronage

Another way to tap your fanbase for financial support is patronage. This is when fans subscribe to your exclusive content for a small monthly amount. If you do it right, patronage can be a lucrative and sustainable way to make a career in music.

Two of the best subscriber platforms are Patreon and Grouped.

Grants for Musicians

Now let’s look at actual grants you can apply for based on where you live and what you plan to do with the money…

Apply for Grants in the United Kingdom and Europe

Brighter Sound – A Week with Wu-Lu

Northern England, UK

Deadline: February 4

Apply here

Catalyser Fund

United Kingdom

Deadline: May 10

Apply here

Developing your Creative Practice

United Kingdom

Applications open March 14 – April 11 / July 25 – August 22 / November 14 – December 12

Apply here

Factory Sounds 2024

Manchester, UK

Deadline: February 12

Apply here

Jazz and New Music Creative Grant

France

Deadline: February 29

Apply here

Jazz and New Music Touring Grant

France

Deadline: February 29

Apply here

PRS Foundation

United Kingdom

Multiple grants with varying deadlines

Apply here

Steve Reid InNOVAtion Award

United Kingdom

Applications open soon

Apply here

Trailblazer Fund

United Kingdom

Applications open August 30 – December 13 / November 22 – March 21 (2025)

Apply here

Apply for Grants in the United States and Canada

New Music USA

United States

Multiple grants with varying deadlines

Apply here

BMI Foundation

United States

Multiple grants with varying deadlines

Apply here

Factor

Canada

Multiple grants with varying deadlines

Apply here

Apply for Grants in Australia

Creative Australia

Multiple grants with varying deadlines

Apply here

Independent Artists or Groups Fund

Multiple grants with varying deadlines

Apply here

Live Music Events Fund

Adelaide, Australia

Open year round

Apply here