National — Les Paul Foundation January 2027 Music Education, Innovation and Hearing Research Grants (Amount Varies; January 15)

Grant opportunity

The Les Paul Foundation January 2027 Grant Cycle is a recurring competitive grant opportunity for eligible U.S. charitable organizations and schools proposing projects in music education, recording, Les Paul exhibits, STEM and STEAM innovation, and qualifying medical research related to tinnitus or hearing impairments. Grant proposals must explain how Les Paul’s story will be shared in a meaningful way, not solely through naming or a plaque.

Funding and deadline

No universal individual award maximum or minimum is published. The foundation says its first-time grants are typically $1,500–$2,000 USD, but expressly states there is no fixed amount; this typical range is not an award ceiling. The next listed regular deadline is January 15, 2027; the foundation does not publish an exact closing hour or time zone. Grant decisions for the January cycle are scheduled for April 1, 2027. A second annual cycle closes September 15, but organizations may file only one request per calendar year.

Applicant eligibility

United States 501(c)(3) public charities and qualifying U.S. schools operating eligible programs; applicants must follow the funder’s organizational eligibility rules. Funding focuses on music education, recording, Les Paul legacy exhibits, innovative STEM/STEAM, and qualifying tinnitus/hearing-impairment research. No grants to individuals or unsupported fiscal sponsors; religious, political, labor or business organizations are excluded. One application per organization per calendar year. Applications for research into hearing conditions must meet the foundation’s stated scope. Existing projects and capital campaigns may be considered when directly aligned with the priorities. Programs must be located and operating in the United States.

Budget, matching and restrictions

The foundation asks applicants to demonstrate other project financing and provide a realistic project budget, staffing and timeline. A fixed matching percentage or required cost-share amount is not published. Funding is for aligned programs and projects, rather than unrestricted general operations. Multi-year commitments are not automatic; proposals must be submitted annually. Previous grantees must file a final grant report before subsequent funding can be considered. For the January cycle, reports are due by the following January 1.

Application instructions

Read the official Les Paul Foundation grant guidelines and FAQs and use only the application PDF currently linked by the foundation; check its site again before submission because it will not accept outdated form versions. Fill in all organizational details, IRS or school eligibility, project description, explanation of the Les Paul story, program timeline, organizational and project budgets, other funding and attachments. Save the current completed form and send it to the funder’s designated application email listed on the official page by January 15, 2027. Last verified: November 6, 2026.