The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit behind the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, has opened the application process for four categories of its 2017-2018 Community Partnership Grants program.

The foundation has invested proceeds from its festival into various community projects since 1979. Last year they provided funding to 254 grant applicants, which represents 89% of all those who applied. A total of $709,000 was given out, for an average of $2,800 per grant.

The deadline to apply for a grant is May 15 for all activities that will occur between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018. Projects that are eligible for funding include music and art education programs, events put on by Louisiana arts-based nonprofits and new artistic works that interpret Louisiana culture. Interested parties can apply here.

Community Partnership Grant categories:

Jazz & Heritage In-School Education Programs in Music, Arts and Cultural Traditions: This category supports music and arts education in the schools by fundingmusic and arts instruction that takes place at Louisiana K-12 schools during the regular school day. Schools (public or private) may apply for money to pay for instruments/instrument repair, sheet music, visual art supplies or other needed materials to support arts instruction as part of the school’s curriculum. Only one application per school is allowed. READ THE GUIDELINES HERE.

Jazz & Heritage After-School and Summer Education Programs in Music, Arts and Cultural Traditions: This category supports after-school and summer educational arts programs offered by nonprofit organizations and Louisiana K-12 schools. Organizations may apply for money only to pay the professional service fees of the artists or educators who provide arts instruction. READ THE GUIDELINES HERE.

Jazz & Heritage Presenting: Festivals and Concerts in Music and Performing Arts: This category supports employment for Louisiana performing artists by providing funding to Louisiana-based nonprofit arts organizations to help cover the cost of hiring Louisiana-based performers for festivals or other public cultural events in the state. Only arts-based nonprofits in Louisiana may apply. READ THE GUIDELINES HERE.

Jazz & Heritage Archive: Documentation and Preservation: This category supports the creation, documentation or exhibition of art works that reflect, interpret, document or preserve the indigenous culture of Louisiana. Individuals and non-profits may apply. Priority will be given to Louisiana-based applicants. READ THE GUIDELINES HERE.