Music Aid Northwest Grants
The Music Aid Northwest Grants are funded by Music Aid Northwest (MANW) and distributed through the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA). They are available to public K-12 schools across the state to supplement local budgets by providing critical equipment needs for music programs.
In 2012, MANW and WMEA formed a partnership for grants from Music Matters License Plate sales. This partnership has grown from providing $12,000 to two school programs the first year to providing $340,000 to over 70 schools in 2024!
The primary intent is always to direct funds toward qualified programs that are struggling financially. However, recent successful fundraising has let us open the program to provide support for many additional projects. This year more than $250,000 is available to be distributed to music programs in Washington.
Music Aid Northwest Grant Applications 2025 NOW CLOSED
The online application is now closed. Applicants will be notified of their status in November, and recipients will receive the funds in December.
Play it Forward 2026
MANW is asking music teachers and friends of this program to volunteer to help at the annual gala, Play it Forward. It will be at downtown Seattle’s The Triple Door on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. This is a MUST-SEE event!
Contact btomberg@outlook.com for more information about volunteering to help at this exciting event.
Music Matters License Plates
The Music Matters License Plate project was passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2012. A portion of the license fees is set aside to augment school music programs with funds for instrument purchases and repairs as well as other necessary supplies beyond their normal school budget allocations.
Music Aid Northwest has expanded the grants through fundraising, particularly from their annual event, the Play it Forward gala, and incorporated the license plate revenues into the Music Matters Grants. As of July 1, 2025, there are no longer distributions back to designated schools. All proceeds from the purchase of Music Matters License Plates are placed directly in the pool of funds available for Music Matters Grants.
Please consider purchasing a Music Matters License Plate to show others that you are an advocate for music education. You can purchase yours at any local vehicle licensing office or online at https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/license-plates/get-custom-plates/special-design-plates/music-matters.