Funding Available for Youth Projects

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation invites applications from institutions seeking support for musical projects designed for children and young people. The programme supports initiatives that encourage creativity, participation, and appreciation of musical content while introducing contemporary and modern music into educational activities. Each year, 20 musical projects are selected, with each successful project receiving €25,000 in funding. The programme particularly encourages experimental approaches to sound and music, inclusive projects, and initiatives that engage people who may not already have a strong connection to music.

About the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation Programme

The initiative aims to strengthen children’s and young people’s engagement with music through creative and participatory projects. A key objective is to promote appreciation of musical content and support the integration of contemporary and modern music into educational activities. The programme places particular emphasis on experimental approaches to sound and music, encouraging institutions to develop projects that provide participants with opportunities to explore, create, and actively engage with musical experiences. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The programme supports musical projects organized specifically for children and young people.

Projects should contribute to:

- Creativity and active participation. - Appreciation of musical content. - Engagement with contemporary and modern music. - Integration of music into educational activities. - Experimental approaches to sound and music. - Broader participation in musical activities. Projects are encouraged to move beyond traditional approaches and create opportunities for children and young people to engage with music in innovative and participatory ways. Focus on Inclusion and Broad Community Engagement The programme is designed to reach a broad audience rather than only people who already have an interest or background in music. Projects that are open to all segments of society are welcome.

Particular encouragement is given to applications demonstrating

- Inclusive participation. - Broad community engagement. - Accessibility to people who may not already be musically inclined. - Opportunities for children and young people from different backgrounds to participate. Applicants should therefore clearly explain how their project will reach its intended audience and encourage meaningful participation. Funding Available The programme selects 20 musical projects each year.

Each selected project receives:

€25,000 in funding The funding is intended to support institutions organizing musical projects for children and young people. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for institutions organizing musical projects for children and young people. Each institution may submit one application per deadline. Joint applications involving multiple partners are also permitted, allowing institutions to collaborate when developing and delivering a musical project. Joint Applications and Partnerships Multiple partners can submit a joint application. Collaborative applications can be useful for projects that bring together different types of expertise, institutions, or community connections. Where a joint application is submitted, applicants should clearly explain the roles of the participating partners and how their collaboration contributes to the project’s objectives. Application Language and Submission Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s application system.

Applications can be completed in:

- German. - English. Applicants must ensure that all required materials are uploaded through the application system before the relevant deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Required Application Documents Applicants must submit the required materials as part of their online application.

These include:

- Completed application form. - Financial plan. - Additional document of up to eight pages describing the applicant institution, the proposed project, and relevant experience. The additional document should provide sufficient information for reviewers to understand the institution’s background, the proposed musical project, and the applicant’s relevant experience. Additional Materials for Projects Featuring Young or Lesser-Known Composers Projects featuring works by young or lesser-known composers have additional documentation requirements.

Applicants must provide:

- Sample scores. - Recordings. These materials must be submitted through a cloud service link included in the application form. Applicants should ensure that the cloud link works correctly and provides access to the required materials before submitting the application. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly explain how the proposed project supports creativity, participation, and engagement with music among children and young people. A strong application should clearly describe: - The project’s objectives. - The intended children and youth audience. - How participants will actively engage with music. - How contemporary or modern music is incorporated. - Any experimental approaches to sound and music. - How the project promotes inclusion. - How the project reaches people beyond those already interested in music. - The institution’s relevant experience. - The project’s financial plan. - The role of any project partners. Applicants featuring young or lesser-known composers should also make sure the required sample scores and recordings are accessible through the submitted cloud-service link. Common Application Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should carefully check their submission before the deadline.

Common issues to avoid include:

- Submitting more than one application per institution per deadline. - Leaving required sections of the application incomplete. - Failing to provide a financial plan. - Exceeding the eight-page l