Shultz Fund Individual Grants
Shultz Fund Individual Grants support individual people of color in bluegrass-related activities to increase participation by racial and ethnic communities underrepresented in the music.
Funder: IBMA Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Individual Grants)
Funding Amounts: Limited funding available; applicants must state the amount requested
Summary: Supports bluegrass-related activities of individual people of color to increase underrepresented participation in bluegrass music.
Key Information: Individual grants are for people of color and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Description
The IBMA Foundation’s Shultz Fund Individual Grants support bluegrass-related activities of individual people of color. They form part of the Arnold Shultz Fund, which encourages participation by people whose racial and ethnic backgrounds are underrepresented in bluegrass music. The individual grants provide limited support for individuals rather than group projects.
The foundation established the fund in 2020 to honor Arnold Shultz (1886–1931), an African American guitarist and fiddle player from western Kentucky who profoundly influenced Bill Monroe and the development of bluegrass. The fund connects recognition of that influence with support for participation in bluegrass today. Across the broader fund, priority goes to programs, activities, and individuals demonstrating a commitment to serving underrepresented populations in the music.
