Apply for a Grant

The Salt Lick Incubator is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging musicians in building sustainable careers. We offer project grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to artists working in songful, contemporary genres. These grants can be used for projects such as producing a song or album, creating a music video, developing social media assets, pressing vinyl, touring, or enhancing branding and marketing strategies.

In addition to funding, grant recipients receive mentorship and guidance from industry professionals, along with a personalized plan tailored to ensure their activities are both strategic and successful.

Please read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
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SALT LICK INCUBATOR ARTIST GRANT Eligibility

PLEASE THOROUGHLY REVIEW ALL CRITERIA PRIOR TO STARTING OR SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION


Our focus is on song- and lyric-driven melodic music.

We ARE well-positioned to support artists working in the following genres:

  • Rock, folk, Americana, R&B, roots, soul, neo-soul, blues, bluegrass, and singer-songwriter (and all indie variants of these).

We ARE NOT positioned to support artists working in the following genres:

  • Electronic, hip-hop, rap, pop country, pure pop, metal, world, spoken word, classical, jazz.


To be eligible for a grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States

  • Be individuals or small groups (i.e., duos, trios, bands)

  • Be an emerging artist in the early stages of their professional artist careers

  • Be actively involved in contemporary music-making with no more than three (3) albums released at time of application

  • Must be in control of your own copyrights / recordings

  • Cannot be signed to a label or have taken an advance from a distributor, publisher, or other organization

  • This grant is not subject to commission by any industry partners, managers, etc. — all funds must go directly to the artist

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed by committee and go through an extensive, multiple-round evaluation process. The committee may include Salt Lick Incubator employees, members of the Artist Advisory Board, and other industry professionals, as appropriate.

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Strength, quality, and communication of the applicant’s artistic output and vision

  • Alignment with the Salt Lick Incubator’s mission, strengths, and areas of focus, including genre

  • Financial or other demonstrated need as conveyed through the application

  • Feasibility of the proposed project and budget

  • Salt Lick Incubator’s ability to guide and support the proposed project 

  • Accuracy and completeness of the application 

  • Willingness to participate in program supports and engage with other Salt Lick-supported artists

Successful Applicants

A successful applicant is an emerging artist pursuing a career in song-driven music, performing at a high level, with a distinct artistic voice and vision. They submit a feasible project proposal that aligns with Salt Lick Incubator’s vision, mission, and strengths. Strong applicants provide a variety of their best work and clearly articulate their artistic vision to evaluators. A willingness to engage and collaborate with the broader musical community is highly encouraged. Before applying, please read our Statement of Purpose to learn more about the projects, artists, and music we are best suited to support.

Meet our grant recipients →

GRANT CYCLE DATES AND Deadlines

The grant cycles for 2024-2025 are as follows:

  • Applications open February 26, 2024 and close* April 16, 2024. Awards announced on or before May 30, 2024 June 28, 2024 (public announcement: week of July 1)

  • Applications open July 15, 2024 and close September 30, 2024. Awards announced by November 30, 2024.

  • Applications open November 30, 2024 and close January 31, 2025. Awards announced by March 31, 2025.

  • Applications open April 15, 2025 and close June 15, 2025. Awards announced by August 31, 2025.

*Applications close at 11:59:59 P.M. ET

  • What if I’m not Awarded a Grant?

    With an award rate of 1-2%, Salt Lick Incubator artists grants are extremely competitive. Some qualified candidates may not receive awards in a given cycle. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to re-apply as often as desired.

  • Accessibility

    No person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, native language, disability, age, religion (creed), gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or military status shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination of services, programs and employment provided by the Salt Lick Incubator.

  • At a Glance

    Amount
    $5,000–$15,000

    Granting Organization
    The Salt Lick Incubator

    Current round
    Opens: November 30, 2024
    Closes: January 31, 2025

    Next round
    Opens: April 15, 2025

    Contact
    grants@saltlickincubator.org

APPLY FOR A SALT LICK INCUBATOR ARTIST GRANT

Congratulations
to the inaugural cohort of AMERICANAFEST grant winners administered by Salt Lick Incubator!

Spanning the country from Massachusetts to Alaska, the vibrant group of musicians and industry professionals will dive into everything @americanafest has to offer in Nashville this fall!

Want to apply for next year's attendee grant? Applications will open again in May 2025. Subscribe for updates.

Winners: Indigo Ansin, Jacob Aranda, Annie Bartholomew, Clare Conheady, Mercedes Escobar, Miles Gordon, Victoria Hamersky, Rachel Moberg, Rebecca Porter, Jeff Randolph, Nyx Nakamarri