Merit School of Music
-
Grants
20
-
Total Awarded
$2,310,800
-
Years
1983 - 2024
-
Categories
Grants
2024 (3 years)
$240,000
Established in 1979, the mission of the Merit School of Music (Merit) is to transform the lives of Chicago-area youth by removing barriers to music education. Core programs include an early childhood music education curriculum, an instrumental and vocal music program, private lessons, and a tuition-free conservatory program for advanced students. Its Music in Communities program operates in schools and community centers in areas of Chicago with limited access to music education. Its Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative is a collaborative effort among eight organizations to support young orchestral musicians from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides general operating support to Merit in the Culture, Equity, and the Arts area of the Chicago Commitment strategy.
2022 ( 2 months)
$2,500
Merit School of Music is a nationally accredited music school providing access to music education for all ages. More than 125 experienced teaching artists engage over 3,000 students annually at Merit’s downtown location and in Chicago area schools and community centers. This professional development grant supports staff participation in online training courses offered by The Management Center entitled “Managing to Change the World” and “Working for Change.”
2021 (3 years)
$150,000
The Merit School of Music (Merit) is a nationally accredited music school providing access to music education for all ages. More than 125 experienced teaching artists engage over 3,000 students annually at Merit’s downtown location and in Chicago area schools and community centers. This award provides general operating support to Merit as part of the Foundation’s Culture, Equity, and the Arts program.
2016 (5 years)
$350,000
Merit School of Music is a community music school that provides music instruction with a focus on youth from underserved populations. It serves 4,000 students ranging from newborn to high school-aged regardless of their ability to pay. Merit offers a continuum of music programs, starting with its early childhood music program progressing through the Instrumental Music program and culminating with its tuition-free music Conservatory. The Conservatory serves 350 of Chicago’s most talented student musicians in grades four to 12. It also runs off-site music programs at schools and community centers across the city. The organization is headquartered in the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, which is a 40,000 square foot facility in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood that includes meeting rooms, lesson rooms, and three recital halls. This award is recommended to renew general operating support to Merit School of Music.
2002 (2 years)
$250,000
In support of a campaign to procure a permanent and appropriate site for the Merit School of Music (over two years).
1998 (3 years)
$125,000
To support the Building Communities Through Music program in the Pilsen/Little Village and East Austin/West Garfield Park neighborhoods (over three years).
1994 (1 year)
$30,000
To support organizational strategic planning initiatives.
1993 (3 years)
$90,000
In support of general operations (over three years).
1991 (1 year)
$50,000
In support of general operations (over two years).
1989 (1 year 1 month)
$3,300
A technical assistance grant to be used for data conversion and training in the use of a new computer system.
1988 (2 years)
$60,000
In support of general operations (over three years).
1986 (1 year 1 month)
$40,000
In support of general operations (over two years).
1984 (1 year)
$20,000
In support of general operations (over two years).
1983 (1 year)
$10,000
In support of general operations.
