Funding for community events, projects, and publications featuring participatory dance, music, or song
CDSS grants help
- create new music, dance, and song events (including series, weekends, and week-long programs)
- boost existing series or events
- train callers, musicians, singers, and organizers (including equity and anti-racism training)
- encourage youth involvement
- publish instruction materials (print, web, audio, video)
- conduct and disseminate research on traditional dance, music, and song
- attend non-CDSS programs for training purposes
- create related endeavors that will have a lasting effect on dance, music, and song communities
Eligible applicants
- Individuals and organizations promoting traditional dance, music, and/or song with English and North American roots
- All are welcome to apply. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received funding and to CDSS Members and Affiliates.
Funding requests
- Up to $500 (occasional larger grants for projects with a broad impact)
- For program-related expenses (callers, musicians, workshop leaders, etc.) rather than operational expenses (publicity, supplies, etc.)
For questions about the suitability of your application, contact resources@cdss.org.
When to apply
- For events: 1-2 months before starting your publicity
- For other projects: 1-2 months before funding is needed
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Requirements for recipients
Click here to find out about requirements for grant recipients, including logo usage.
You will be notified when we receive your application. If you have not received notification within a few days, contact resources@cdss.org.
Recent Recipients
Make Every Space Safer in Trad Music Communities
Nasons, VA
creating a set of community agreements that people in our music communities can commit toNew England Carousel Museum
Bristol, CT
hosting a family danceMadison Contra Collective
Madison, WI
hosting an open band workshop for the Madison Contra Collective BandStars in the Rafters
Brattleboro, VT
creating a podcast to provide comfort and community connections through traditional music, song, and poetryDanceFlurry Organization
Albany, NY
participating in online diversity, equity, and inclusion trainingFiddle Orchestra of Western Massachusetts
Northampton, MA
providing online lessons with New England musiciansBloomington Old-Time Music and Dance Group
Bloomington, IN
hosting a workshop for new contra dance callersRaise the Rafters
Rhododendron, OR
creating a youth-oriented traditional singing event in the Pacific Northwest