Today the MPTF is a vital organization that brings music to the public and supplements the income of musicians, all at no cost to those receiving this precious gift of music. Potential grant applicants may send in letters requesting assistance for your group, ensemble, or orchestra 30 days prior to the date of the prospective event.
Funds are made available by MPTF to sponsor performances for community events, outdoor park concerts, libraries, senior citizen centers and museums, as well as educational performances throughout North Carolina by a wide variety of jazz, classical, chamber, symphonic and other ensembles. All requests will be reviewed for approval, and recommendations will be forwarded to MPTF in New York City.
All grant applicants must have a Federal ID number (e.g. non-profit organization, local business, etc.) and assume all employer responsibilities. Applicants accepted for an MPTF grant are now responsible for direct payment to all musicians, including benefits, work dues and the proper filing of union reports with Local 500. Once all the necessary paperwork and proof of payroll is submitted to Local 500, the documents will be sent to MPTF headquarters in New York City, and once verified and processed, your grant check will be mailed directly from MPTF.
Grant request letters should include the following: Date, time, place, a description of the event, the name of the group they are requesting assistance for, the name of the leader, how many side musicians and cartage. To qualify for assistance, the event must be absolutely free and open to the public; no donations, no fundraising. All requests will be reviewed for approval, and recommendations will be forwarded to MPTF in New York City.
All requests must be received in writing no later than 30 days prior to the prospective event. You may send them to: AFM Local 500, PO Box 1549, Raleigh, NC 27602, Attn: MPTF - OR - send an email to Brevan Hampden, Vice President of AFM Local 500 at brevanhampdenmusic@gmail.com
Most MPTF Applications that are approved receive funding at 50% of the cost of the event. However, there are some scenarios in which MPTF will fund 100% of the cost. Those are:
February: Black History Month
Jazz Events in April: Jazz Appreciation Month
Juneteenth Events in June
Music Education Events
Live Streamed Events
If you have any additional questions, please contact Brevan Hampden, Vice President of AFM Local 500 at brevanhampdenmusic@gmail.com
MPTF Website: www.musicpf.org
Points to Remember:
1. Music must be the main reason for the event.
2. The concert must be free and open to the public, with no condition for admittance.
3. There must be no donations solicited before, after, or during the performance.
4. There must be no recording (video or audio) of a performance.
5. Music must not be used for any fundraising activity no matter how worthwhile the project.
6. Music must not be part of a religious service, seminar, clinic, etc.
