Small independent music venues are essential incubators of the music industry, but they require resources to evolve and thrive. The Live Music Society has announced a major opportunity for these vital spaces: applications are open for its fourth annual Music In Action grants.
We recently profiled every venue that was awarded a Music In Action grant in 2025. Read that here.
Applicants can request up to $50,000 to support initiatives aimed at improving the venue experience for musicians, staff, and audiences, as well as cultivating long-term business sustainability.
This is a significant funding opportunity for small venues and listening rooms across the United States. Since launching in 2020, the nonprofit Live Music Society has injected over $5 million into the independent music ecosystem.
Music In Action specifically seeks projects that grow earned revenue, expand audiences, and foster artist and community networks. A particular focus is given to applications that increase opportunity and access for historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals.
Previous grantees, such as the Floyd Country Store in Virginia and Opolis in Oklahoma, have used the funding to secure university partnerships and establish community-centered educational hubs.
Key Deadlines:
- Applications Open: Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
- Applications Close: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
- Recipients Announced: July 2026.
Venue owners and operators should move quickly. To learn more about eligibility and start the application process, visit the Live Music Society website.
