Thanks to a generous grant from the Herb Alpert Foundation, we present JAZZ2U – the Jazz Education Network’s commitment to local jazz outreach.
Eligible JEN members* can apply for a $300 or $500 grant to assist in funding a speaker, clinician, or performer, at any event that will bring jazz to new or existing audiences via schools, community centers, performances or informances by quality performers and advanced educators.
Grants are limited to venues within the United States at this time.
*Eligible to apply for JAZZ2U Grants:
JANUARY 1 – JEN Collegiate, Community or School Chapter Organizer ($96 annually)
FEBRUARY 1 – JEN Full Individual Membership ($8 monthly or $96 annually)
Want to upgrade? Email membership@wordpress-573658-1853764.cloudwaysapps.com to request a membership upgrade.
JAZZ2U grants help organizations and individuals pay performers and clinicians to help bring more jazz to local communities. Please note that the applicant and clinician or performer must both be JEN members to apply.
2021 JAZZ2U Grant Application dates:
(Your JAZZ2U event can be after August 1)
CLOSED
REMINDER: Your guest solo artist or leader of the group must be a current JEN Individual Member
($96 annual or $8 monthly).
1. Create an event in which you will invite a speaker, performer, or jazz expert to present about the art of jazz.
2. Apply for a JAZZ2U grant by filling out an easy online application. You will be contacted upon review of your grant application. Please note: Only one JAZZ2U grant approval per person per year.
3. Advertise your event. Please be sure to credit the Jazz Education Network and Herb Alpert Foundation on all marketing materials related to your event. Logos can be provided by request.
4. Share your success with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages.
5. Complete and online evaluation form. Accepted applicants must complete an online evaluation tool when their JAZZ2U Project is finished. (Also explained in the acceptance letter.)
6. The check will be mailed upon completion of the survey.
Grants are limited and provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
What does it take to be approved for a JAZZ2U grant? Ask yourself these questions:
Is my guest artist a JEN Full Individual member? ($8 monthly;$96 annually)
If an ensemble, is at least one member a full JEN Full Individual member?
Are my impact numbers high?
The JAZZ2U Committee and the Herb Alpert Foundation (who funds our grant program), like to see attendee numbers in the hundreds.
If you’re putting on a masterclass, small clinic or workshop, we suggest it be in conjunction with a big performance (school assembly, evening concert, etc.)
Of course, these are not hard and fast rules. They are guidelines of increasing your odds of being approved. We know there are always exceptions and our committee takes other individual factors into account when reviewing applications.
JEN will underwrite artist fees for $300 for the purpose of providing a musician(s) to conduct a workshop/masterclass/clinic with students or community members.
For this category, audience size should a minimum of 50.
As an example, activities in this category include, but are not limited to:
The artist/artist(s) in question, and the requesting individual must be JEN Full Individual members.*
Monies must be used for artist fees only, and are not to be used for expenses relating to travel, housing or per diem.
*Note: Membership levels eligible to apply include: Full Individual, Corporate, Institution, and School Festival Partner memberships. Click here to become a member.
JEN will underwrite artist fees for $500 for the purpose of providing an ensemble (trio or more) to present an in-school or community jazz performance/informance.
For this category, audience size should be a minimum of 80.
As JEN places a great deal of importance on education, these performances should include some educational aspect (e.g. history and background of the repertoire, explaining the inter-workings of a jazz ensemble, etc.).
At least one artist in the ensemble and the requesting individual must be JEN Full Individual members.*
Monies must be used for artist fees only, and are not to be used for expenses relating to travel, housing, or per diem.
*Note: Membership levels eligible to apply include: Full Individual, Corporate, Institution memberships. Click here to become a member.
Adam Larson
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Derick Cordoba
Diane Orlofsky
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Harry Schnipper
Howard Bankhead
Jack Nossavage
Jacob Jay
Jim Repa
Jim Widner
John Ehlis
Jonathan Black
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Karim Yengsep
Keith McCutchen
Kevin Hicks
Lisa Kelly
Dr. Lou Fischer
Louise Rogers
Molly Sender
Nicole Yarling
Phillip Ravita
Rachel Bade-McMurphy
Phillip Ravita
Randy Madsen
Ray Smith
Shannon Gunn
Sparky Koerner
Steve Fidyk
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Todd Kelly
JEN, in collaboration with the Thelonius Monk Institute and the Jazz Journalists Association encourages participation in International Jazz Day on April 30th. Organize an International Jazz Day event in your community. From concerts to classes, no event is too big or too small. Register your event on JazzDay.com to become an official participant and share your event with people around the world.
—John Raymond, Trumpeter/Clinician
—Clayton E. Corley from Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia