Building a successful career in music as an independent musician is like climbing Everest with a pair of flip flops & half a bottle of Gatorade…

It’s pretty f#%king hard – but the view from the top is worth it.

And like climbing Everest, you need a hefty amount of cash to make your dream come true. For most musicians going it alone, funding is the biggest blocker standing in the way of bringing musical projects to life. So, if you’re not willing to sell your soul to gain the backing of a major record label (damn those pesky morals and commitment to artistic integrity) you’ve got to find other ways of securing the bag.

Fortunately, you have options and plenty of them – from arts grants, to private investors & sponsors, to crowdfunding. Now don’t get me wrong, people aren’t just going to hand you free money for the heck of it. But understanding how to approach each of these financial avenues (and a healthy amount of determination) can help secure the funding you need to create your art. 

Apply to Arts Grants and Funds 

Arts grants are typically offered by government bodies, non-profit organizations, and private foundations dedicated to supporting the arts. Unlike loans, which must be paid back to the lender (typically with interest), grants provide the recipient with the funds they need without the strings. 

Of course, grants aren’t just a free-for-all money machine. Grants are 1. highly competitive and 2. usually come some seriously strict guidelines on applicant eligibility and an in-depth application process. So before you go submitting applications with reckless abandon, DO YOUR RESEARCH. That said, here are a few promising opportunities you can explore based on your region to help you get started:

North America & Canada

New Music USA

National Endowment for the Arts

Grant Space

BMI Foundation 

Factor (Canada)

UK & Europe

Musicians Union (UK) 

Anthem. (Wales)

Creative Scotland (Scotland)

Arts Council England (England)

Music Capital Scheme (Ireland)

Australia

Australia Council

APRA AMCOS

Creative Australia 

Africa

Africa No Filter

Music in Africa Foundation 

Worldwide

AmplifyWorld Artist Fund

Helpful Tips when Applying for Arts Grants

Securing grant funding isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a highly competitive and meticulous process, which means every detail counts. To give yourself the best chance for success, make sure to follow these six tips: 

• Understand the Requirements: Each grant will have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Carefully read through these details to ensure you qualify before investing time in the application process.
  
  

• Prepare a Strong Proposal: Your proposal should clearly articulate your project’s goals, its significance, and how the funds will be used. Include a detailed budget and a timeline. Highlight any unique aspects of your project and how it will impact your career or community.
  
  

• Gather Supporting Materials: Some grants require additional materials such as letters of recommendation, work samples, and a CV. Get these documents together in advance to streamline the application process.
  
  

• Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the grant organization. This includes formatting requirements, submission deadlines, and any other specified instructions.
  
  

• Get a Second Opinion: Before submitting, seek feedback on your proposal from mentors, peers, or past grant recipients. Constructive criticism can help you refine your application.
  
  

• Submit & Follow Up: Grant deadlines are no joke, so be sure to submit your application on time. After submission, keep track of your application status and be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
  
  

Attract Private Investors & Sponsors

These days musicians have more opportunities than ever before to make waves in the industry. Staying active on popular social platforms and producing creative content, can help you to attract a larger audience and perhaps the attention of potential private investors and/or sponsors. 

Sponsorship doesn’t have to be limited to just music-related businesses, either. You can find opportunities across a wide variety of industries, from sports brands, to apparel, to alcohol companies and more. If you have consistent engagement on social media, or have a song go viral, you may be in a great position to reach out to potential investors and sponsors directly. Just make sure that the brands you approach align well with your niche/genre, or have a similar audience. 

Keep in mind, however, that large companies and music brands receive hundreds of sponsorship pitches every week from bands, musicians, and labels. If you want to stand out, make sure to focus your pitch on how the partnership can benefit the sponsor. In other words, make it worth their while. 

Here are three additional tips to help you attract and secure sponsors or private funding:

• Leverage Your Network: Use your existing connections to get introductions to potential sponsors. A warm introduction can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and considered.
  
  

• Create a Professional Pitch Deck: A well-designed pitch deck that highlights your achievements, audience demographics, and potential benefits for the sponsor can make a strong impression. Ensure it’s visually appealing and concise.
  
  

• Showcase Your Engagement: Highlight how actively engaged your audience is with your music. Sponsors are interested in not just the size of your audience but also their level of engagement and loyalty. Share metrics and testimonials that demonstrate this.
  
  

Start a Crowdfunding Campaign

Have an existing audience of loyal fans? Well then you’re halfway up the mountain already. Don’t be afraid to tap into this resource with a music crowdfunding campaign using websites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Patreon. Whether it’s funds to produce an album, or some extra cash to get on the road for a tour, crowdfunding can be a lucrative way to achieve your musical goals and get your audience involved. 

Five Essential Tips for a Winning Crowdfunding Campaign

• Set a Realistic Goal: You want to set an achievable goal, but don’t forget to account for the costs of rewards, shipping, and transaction fees. Many musicians overlook these expenses and end up losing money.
  
  

• Utilize Your Network: Begin with your close circle of friends and family before reaching out more broadly. It’s easier to rally support from your wider fan base as you approach your goal. People are more inclined to help you cross the finish line rather than just start the race.
  
  

• Keep Your Campaign Updated: Regular updates with fresh content show your commitment to the project and appreciation for your backers.
  
  

• Offer Attractive Rewards: Use this opportunity to attract new supporters while deepening your relationship with existing fans. Thoughtfully crafted rewards, whether its exclusive merch, music or even digital art, can enhance your appeal.
  
  

• Maintain Engagement Post-Funding: Don’t forget – your backers are your biggest fans, not just one-time supporters. So, keep engaging and showing your appreciation and you’ll see long-lasting benefits. 
  
  
  

The Big Picture

There are tons of funding opportunities available for independent musicians. But if you want to secure the bag and make music the way you want, you’ve got to be smart, stategic and determined. So, whether you go for music & arts grants, take the private investor route, or look for support from your fanbase, just be sure to take your time, do your research and make any big decisions with a clear and level head. 

Interested in learning about how Web3 is already opening new revenue streams for musicians? Check out these articles: 

• The Top 4 Benefits of Web3 for Musicians
• The NEWMusic Movement
• Web3, NFTs, and the Future of Music