Live Music Society awarded $1 million in grant funding to 58 small music venues in 2024, with plans to open its 3rd Annual Music in Action grant application in January 2025.

The Music in Action grant, introduced in 2023, helps venues develop audiences, boost community engagement, increase visibility, and promote diversity through creative live programming. Several success stories highlight the grant's impact:

• The Spot on Kirk in Roanoke, Virginia launched "Música y Cultura," a series of ten events celebrating Hispanic culture
• Bossa Bistro in Washington D.C. created the Bossa Tributary Project, showcasing diverse global musicians
• Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge in Berea, Kentucky established an Emerging Artist Incubator Program offering professional workshops

In addition to $710,000 in Music in Action grants, Live Music Society distributed over $290,000 in Toolbox grant funding to 34 venues in 2024. The Toolbox grant supports practical venue needs and enhances experiences for artists, fans, and staff.

Since its 2020 founding, the organization has:

• Distributed $4.1 million through 210 grants
• Supported 180 small music venues
• Expanded to new states including Nevada, Kansas, and Georgia
• Hosted the first Music in Action Summit with 31 grantee venues
• Partnered with NIVA, House of Songs, and the Americana Music Association

Venues interested in applying for the next round of grants can submit applications starting January 2025.

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