What is the MTNA Foundation Fund?
Supporting music education through grants, scholarships, and awards that nurture the creation, performance, study and teaching of music
Our Mission
When you make a contribution to the MTNA Foundation Fund, you are helping us work for a more musical tomorrow through programs that nurture the creation, performance, study and teaching of music. Young students are recognized for their pursuit of excellence in performance and composition through the MTNA Student Competitions. MTNA supports the creation of new music through its Composer Commissioning program. MTNA state-affiliated associations commission a work that is entered into the Distinguished Composer of the Year competition. The winning composition is premiered at the MTNA National Conference.
🏆 Recognition Programs
Individuals who have made significant contributions to the art of music and the profession of music teaching are recognized through prestigious awards:
- MTNA Achievement Award
- Distinguished Service Award
- Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award
- MTNA Teacher of the Year Award
📚 Literary Awards
Authors are rewarded for their literary contributions with:
- American Music Teacher Article of the Year Award
- MTNA e-Journal Article of the Year Award
💰 Grant Programs
Supporting educators and organizations through:
- Teacher Enrichment Grant program
- Studio Teacher Fellowship
- Local association project grants
🎓 Student & Collegiate Support
Recognizing excellence in:
- Student Competitions
- Collegiate Chapter of the Year Award
- Outstanding chapter activities
Foundation History & Structure
The Foundation Fund is the repository for all funds from the former MTNA Foundation that was integrated into MTNA on July 1, 2003. It is the fund that receives all tax-deductible contributions to MTNA, and is held and maintained separately from MTNA funds.
Since 1989
Since the establishment of the MTNA Foundation in 1989, many thousands of dollars have been provided in grants and awards to students, gifted composers, outstanding teachers and performers and to local associations. By investing in MTNA through your contribution to the MTNA foundation fund, you can support MTNA's mission to advance the value of music study and music making to society and to support the professionalism of music teachers, thus helping us work for a more musical tomorrow.
Governance & Fund Structure
The Foundation Fund is governed by the MTNA Board of Directors with the advice and counsel of the development committee that is appointed by the MTNA president.
Named Endowment Funds
Specific funds established by donors for targeted purposes and programs.
General Endowment Fund
Flexible funding that supports various foundation initiatives and programs.
General Fund
Annual contributions that directly fund current programs and operations.
Note: A small portion of the general fund is used to cover development costs, ensuring maximum impact of your contributions.
Program Details
Teacher Enrichment Grant Program
The Teacher Enrichment Grant program enables teachers to apply for grants to fund further musical study and educational or research projects. This program supports the continuous professional development of music educators.
Studio Teacher Fellowship
The Studio Teacher Fellowship is given to an independent music teacher to assist in developing and enhancing a newly established studio. This fellowship helps new teachers build successful private practices.
Local Association Support
MTNA local-affiliated associations may apply for grants for projects that benefit teachers, their students and their communities. These grants help strengthen music education at the grassroots level.
Collegiate Chapter Recognition
The Collegiate Chapter of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding collegiate chapter, its advisor and members for showing an exceptional level and depth of activities that promote music education and professional development.
Support Our Mission
Your contribution to the MTNA Foundation Fund directly supports all these programs and more. Together, we can ensure a more musical tomorrow for students, teachers, and communities nationwide.