- The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers presents an annual grant to young jazz composers each year to encourage their pursuits. According to its website, (Ascapfoundation.org), the program was started in 2002 with support from three sources: the Joseph and Rosalie Meyer Fund, the Gibson Foundation and the ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fund. Musicians must be under 30, present a score and CD arrangement for one composition and list prior music studies (schools or programs) as well as any relevant experience. Grants total $25,000 annually.
- The Jazz Foundation of America (Jazzfoundation.org) provides a variety of services and funding opportunities for both professional and aspiring jazz artists. Services include medical care, jam sessions for union musicians and performance opportunities in schools and hospitals. Funding opportunities exist in the form of emergency living assistance to prevent established musicians from facing eviction and homelessness, and music lessons from professional jazz musicians for aspiring musicians. The foundation averages more than 1,600 emergency cases yearly. Students who show great promise but lack the money to pay for lessons may apply through the foundation's website. Funding opportunities are offered throughout the year.
- Jazz is a primary focus of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Jazz Initiative (Ddcf.org). In fact, supporting the creation and distribution of jazz is part of the foundation's mission. In its partnership with Chamber Music America, grants are awarded to jazz ensembles to create and perform original work over a three-year period, jazz festival presenters that feature jazz ensembles, and residency institutions that partner with jazz ensembles. Through the foundation's partnership with the Creative Capital Foundation, jazz musicians are awarded funding for professional development and for new, live performance works. The foundation awards millions of dollars annually.
- According to its website (Unitedstatesartists.org), "United States Artists is a public charity and grant-making organization with a mission to invest in America's finest artists and illuminate the value of artists to society." In a Dec. 15, 2009, article for "JazzTimes" magazine, Aubrey Everett reported that two jazz musicians, Hannibal Lokumbe and Lionel Loueke, were among a group of artists who received $50,000 to continue creating original work and to pay for basic living expenses. Jazz musicians who lack connections to private donors or who are ineligible for government assistance may apply for the grant. Musicians must be at least 21, must have received formal or informal musical instruction and must have earned income from creating and performing jazz.
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