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teacher with his guitar standing in the middle of his students in a circle singing with them

Funding
opportunities

for Schools

teacher and student in classroom playing a keyboard

Sound Foundations is investing in Rochester's charter school music programs, bringing together funders, educators, school leaders, parents, students, musicians, and community partners to promote student success in school and in life. We want music to be an integral part of your school's long-term plans, ensuring music education is available to every scholar in Rochester.

Funding Criteria

  • Must be a charter school currently serving students in Rochester, NY.

  • Schools must be in good standing with their authorizer.

  • Requests will be evaluated by:

    • percent of students served relative to the cost of the program,

    • anticipated impact on student outcomes,

    • ability to engage families through a performance or other means,

    • school leadership capacity to implement a high-quality program,

    • overall cost of the program.

  • If funded, you will be expected to submit periodic reports that include data, stories of student success, and photos/videos of the program.

  • Contact us to learn more about our funding opportunities.

What We Fund

  • In-school music education

  • New music programs or expansion of existing music programs

  • Group music classes or ensembles

  • Pilot year and up to 2 additional years of funding

  • Purchase or rental of instruments and supplies as part of a funded program

  • Programs that lead to a performance

  • Curriculum materials

  • Music performance royalties

  • Sound production

  • Other items at the discretion of our Board of Directors

What we will not fund

  • Individual or private lessons

  • Field trips

  • Non-music equipment

  • Large instruments requiring sustained budget and personnel for long-term maintenance

  • Capital or equipment expenses

  • There may be additional items not funded

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online

Download the Budget Template

Apply for funding for 2026-27 and up to two additional years

Contact Us

info@soundfoundationsroc.org

(585) 505-6910

1655 Elmwood Ave.
Bldg. 200 Suite 220

Rochester, NY 14620

Connect with us

Sound Foundations is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization
Registered Charity Number : 88-3545358

© 2026 Sound Foundations. All Rights Reserved.
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