Les Paul Foundation Grant

The Les Paul Foundation offers grant funding in alignment with its mission to promote creative and innovative thinking through the legacy of Les Paul, the pioneering musician and inventor. As a private philanthropic organization, the Foundation supports programs in music education, music performance and production, STEM and STEAM education, and medical research focusing on hearing-related issues such as tinnitus. It also provides funding to public exhibits and educational initiatives that highlight Les Paul's contributions to music and innovation. Founded by Les Paul himself, the Foundation is driven by his commitment to excellence in music, sound engineering, and scientific exploration. Its funding approach reflects his wide-ranging interests, from musical performance and recording to technological invention and hearing health. The Foundation emphasizes proposals that integrate Les Paul’s story into their project delivery, expecting applicants to demonstrate how their programs will effectively share his legacy. A simple name listing or plaque is considered insufficient. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities or public schools operating within the United States. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals or to political, religious, labor, or business entities. It supports music education institutions, music industry training programs, STEM/STEAM initiatives for students, and after-school programs in science or music that echo Les Paul's innovative spirit. It also considers applications for exhibits on Les Paul in coordination with the Foundation and will review proposals for medical research related to curing tinnitus and other hearing impairments. Funding is awarded through two competitive grant cycles each year. For Cycle 1, the application deadline is January 15, with decisions released by April 1. For Cycle 2, applications are due by September 15, with decisions announced by December 1. Applicants are limited to one grant request per calendar year. All proposals must use the Foundation's current application form and submit completed materials via email. Incomplete applications or those using outdated forms will not be considered. Checks are issued to successful applicants after the decision date. Follow-up inquiries are discouraged. While grant amounts and funding ceilings are not published, the Foundation encourages realistic funding requests, supported by detailed budgets, personnel plans, and program timelines. Proposals must clearly explain their objectives, expected outcomes, and how they will inspire participants using Les Paul’s legacy. Demonstrating funding from other sources is also considered a positive factor during evaluation. Through this grantmaking, the Les Paul Foundation seeks to cultivate innovation, celebrate musical and technological creativity, and advance public understanding of Les Paul’s enduring contributions. Interested applicants are advised to review the Foundation’s guidelines thoroughly and prepare strong proposals that not only meet technical requirements but also meaningfully reflect Les Paul’s spirit of discovery and artistic excellence.