Apply for a Grant

The Salt Lick Incubator is a nonprofit organization that supports emerging musicians on their path to sustainable careers. Our project grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are awarded to musicians performing in songful, contemporary genres to use for projects such as producing a song or album, producing a music video, developing social media assets, pressing vinyl, touring, or developing branding and marketing assets and strategies.
Grant recipients also receive guidance from industry professionals.

Please read the eligibility requirements before applying.
Scroll down to view dates for future grant cycles.
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Eligibility

To be eligible, 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 actively involved in contemporary music-making 

  • Must be in control of your own copyrights / recordings

  • Cannot be signed to a label or have taken an advance from a distributor

  • Must not have received a grant from the Salt Lick Incubator within the past two years

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

    Our focus is on song- and lyric-driven melodic music. We are well positioned to support artists working in genres such as rock, folk, Americana, R&B, roots, soul, neo-soul, blues, pop, and singer-songwriter (and all indie variants of these). We are not positioned to support the following genres: Electronic, hip-hop, pop country, pure pop, metal, world, spoken word, classical, jazz.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed by The Salt Lick Incubator’s employees, members of its Artist Advisory Board, and other industry professionals when appropriate. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

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

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

  • Financial or other demonstrated need

  • 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 who performs at a high level, has a distinct artistic voice and vision, and who has submitted a feasible project proposal that aligns with Salt Lick Incubator’s vision, mission, and strengths. A willingness to engage and collaborate with a broader musical community is encouraged. Before you apply, 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 2%, some qualified candidates may not receive awards in a given cycle. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to reapply 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
    Closed: September 30, 2024

    Next round
    Opens: November 30, 2024

    Contact
    grants@saltlickincubator.org

Apply Now

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