There are a lot of music grants out there to help get started on a non-profit business, especially one involving giving back to your community by providing resources to low income families. Making sure that these children have access to something as important and basic as music lessons is a fantastic way to contribute. Check into Local, State and Federal grants to help pay for your startup costs, including equipment and space rental/purchase. Have a business plan in hand and start checking around!
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November 13, 2008 at 01:04 am
Great idea.
Not sure where to get funding for it. I've thought of doing the same thing and considered giving fund-raising concerts to finance it.
Good luck!
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November 13, 2008 at 01:36 am
Before you get the grant you need to have a business plan. This includes who you are, what the organization will do, qualifications of hired teachers, financial model (cost for lessons, cost of start of the business - rental space, instruments, office supplies, music, etc., salary of teachers, utility estimates, website costs etc.), lesson curriculum, statement why you want to do this and how many students you will offer the lessons too.
After that you will also need to apply for non-profit 401(c)3 status or you will not be given a grant. With out non profit status grants cannot be issued.
You will also need to take out business insurance. You need to be able to cover your entire lesson space (office and teaching studios), all office equipment, instruments and most importantly, liability. You have to have insurance to cover all the students in case of injury and for people in your space. Some one can slip and fall and sue you. With out insurance you are in trouble.
But for the grant, with out your business already started and non profit status you won't get a grant. They won't consider you as all grants for what you do require a 401(c)3 number. Every major company offers grants out of their philanthropy deparment - Ronald Mcdonald House, Wachovia, Walmart, Target, Wasington Mutual… etc. etc….
References :
Former assistant director of a not for profit music conservatory and concert pianist
