The CMA Foundation awards up to $15,000 annually in SERVICE GRANTS to non-profit public service organizations that have a lasting impact on the Country Music Association and its members.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible, an applicant organization must be an organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), and not a private foundation as described in IRC Section 509(a). An applicant must be in good standing with its state of incorporation and the Internal Revenue Service.
The Foundation requires all organizations applying for a SERVICE GRANT have two (2) letters of recommendation from CMA or CMA Foundation Board of Directors.
The Foundation approves grants that will have a significant and lasting impact on a group as well as its community. A request needs to demonstrate a visible, apparent and immediate need and be consistent with the Foundation’s mission, to support causes important to the Country Music Association.
Programs qualified for funding include:
- Organizations providing social services to those who have been unable to participate fully in the social and economic life of the community
- Improving people’s physical or emotional health
- Projects important to the Country Music Association (as identified by CMA)
- Grant requests for general operating support are not eligible for consideration. Requests for start-up projects may be considered for new initiatives that address important, unmet community needs and that demonstrate a potential for ongoing operational support from other sources. Each organization should present strong financial documentation in their application.
In addition, the Foundation will NOT fund grants for the following purposes or activities:
- Individuals;
- Newsletters, magazines;
- Projects of churches and religious organizations that primarily benefit their own members (exception: church-based programs with broad community support and separate financial statements);
- Sponsorship of special events or similar fundraising and advertising activities;
- Stand-alone books, films or videos;
- Stand-alone travel expenses for conferences;
- Legislative lobbying or other political purposes;
- Regular operating budget support;
- Debt retirement; or
- Loans.
- Other Foundational giving activities
- Capital campaigns
- Private schools