The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. Applications are due on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.
Eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Applicant must be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
If applicant does not have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, the applicant may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Festival must take place outdoors in a public space.
An outdoor public space creates opportunities for social connections among people of all ages and backgrounds. - Festival must be free to the public with no reserved ticket, suggested donation, online registration, or RSVP required.
A free festival, with no prior steps or requirements to attend, minimizes barriers to participation and offers a more inclusive atmosphere for people of all socioeconomic circumstances. - Programming must feature professional musicians who are compensated for their performances.
Professional musicians ensure a level of artistic excellence for the audience to experience and support the live music ecosystem.
Levitt Foundation spokes personnel state that the following makes a compelling application:
- Festival is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Festival helps drive dynamic social impact and/or economic impact.
- Festival is a unique offering in the community.
- Programming that features music and performance and is welcoming to all.
Refer to current festival grantees at levitt.org/festivals for examples. - A proven track record of producing festivals or community events.
All applications must be completed online. The online application system allows you to save your information and resume completing your application at a later time. For your reference, there is a suggested character count for each narrative question. The character count may be used as a guide to adequately answer each question, though your answers may consist of more or less than the number of characters suggested.
In addition to completing each application field, please be prepared to upload the following in order for your application to be considered complete; the maximum file size for each upload is 5 MB. You will not be able to submit an incomplete application.
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter of the applicant organization or fiscal sponsor (PDF)
- 2-3 images of the festival. File name should include the festival name, city, and a brief description of the image. (high-res jpg or png) For example: Music Days Festival_Omaha_Main Stage Performance
Click here for a PDF of the festival grant application. The PDF is for reference purposes only. All applications must be submitted online.
Grant recipients will be announced Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The Levitt Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. Its mission statement reads: “We support changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming and inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together, fosters belonging, and invigorates community life. In addition to supporting free concerts, the Levitt Foundation is dedicated to advancing vibrant music ecosystems through partnerships, field-building initiatives, and research. At the intersection of music and social impact, Levitt is fueling the movement for free, live music in public spaces as essential to healthy, equitable, and thriving communities.”
To apply for the grant, click here.
