Minister for Education Norma Foley announces €100,000 available in music education grants
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 26 February 2024
- Last updated on: 10 June 2024
Minister for Education Norma Foley today (Monday) announced the opening of applications for grants from a total fund of €100,000 for organisations delivering music education.
The grants allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment.
The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uileann pipers and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Minister Foley said:
"It is said that music is the soundtrack to our lives and to all of the highs and lows we can experience. Music education can offer a valuable and rich tapestry of opportunities to learners. It is one of the many holistic ways in which we can support children and young people in our communities to realise the full extent of their potential.
“Today’s announcement of grant funding available from a total fund of €100,000 as part of the bursary scheme will enable organisations to continue to make music classes available to children and young people in their communities so they can have the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity while developing new skills.”
Interested and eligible organisations are invited to make their applications for grant funding under the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2024 by 19 March.
Interested parties can find the application form on the department’s website.
Applicants must download the application form, complete all sections, save and send by email to nmmebs@education.gov.ie
Organisations must submit their application by 19 March 2024 in order to have it considered for the grant funding by the Committee for Non-Mainstream Department of Education funded Music Education.
Notes
Criteria for selection of applications
Applications will be considered from organisations/groups that display the following:
- a well-established track record in music education provision
- service provision in the area of non-mainstream music education/community music
- delivery of non-mainstream music education for young people aged 18 years and younger
- strong learning outcomes for participants
Preference will be given to those organisations/groups that can demonstrate that they cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Preference may also be given to organisations/groups that are eligible and may not have received funding from this initiative previously. The grant amounts from the €100,000 fund can vary depending on the number of eligible applications and the number of children and young people supported by the applicant organisation.
The selection of proposals will also be informed by a desire for:
- geographic national spread, where possible
- a range of music genres
- a balance of practical and theoretical approaches
Ineligible groups
Funding will only be provided for non-mainstream music education initiatives outside of normal school hours and school curriculum.
The following categories of organisations are ineligible to apply:
- for-profit companies, schools and other educational institutions
- Music Education Partnerships in receipt of Music Generation funding at time of application
- individuals under the age of 18
- professional performing groups