Apply for a Grant
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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 receive guidance from industry professionals.
Please read the eligibility requirements before applying.
Scroll down to view dates for future grant cycles.
CURRENT APPLICANTS: We updated the announcement date to on or before June 28, 2024 to accommodate the high volume of applications.
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 master recordings
Must not have received a grant from the Salt Lick Incubator within the past two years
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.
Deadlines
The remaining grant cycles for 2024 are as follows:
Applications open February 26, 2024 and close* April 16, 2024. Awards announced on or before May 30, 2024 June 28, 2024 (updated)
Applications open July 1, 2024 and close September 30, 2024. Awards announced by November 30, 2024
Applications open November 1, 2024 and close January 31, 2025. Awards announced by March 31, 2025
*Applications close at 11:59::59 PM ET
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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.
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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.
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At a Glance
Amount
$5,000–$15,000Granting Organization
The Salt Lick IncubatorCurrent round
Closed