3. Match Project to Grant Requirements
Tailor each proposal to the funder’s priorities:
Funder |
Priorities |
How to Align |
NEA |
Artistic excellence, public engagement |
Emphasize public performances and educational outreach |
NAMM Foundation |
Music education access |
Showcase how your curriculum/app serves underserved
learners |
Local Arts Councils |
Community enrichment |
Highlight local partnerships, cultural programming |
Create a grant proposal for me to the NEA emphasizing public
performance and educational outreach. My
priorities are artistic excellence, and public engagement.
Create a grant proposal for me to the NAMM Foundation showcasing
how my curriculum/app serves underserved learners. My priority is music educator access.
Create a frant proposal for me to the Local Arts Council highlighting
local partnerships, and cultural
programming. My priority is community
enrichment.
NEA Grant Proposal: Public Performance and Educational
Outreach Initiative
Applicant Name: John N. Gold
Project Title: Violin Voices: Bridging Communities through Performance and
Education
Primary Artistic Discipline: Music (Violin Performance & Composition)
Project Dates: [Insert Project Start and End Dates]
Funding Request: [Insert Amount Requested]
Project Description:
"Violin Voices" is a community-centered initiative that merges
high-level artistic performance with robust educational outreach. Led by
violinist and composer John N. Gold, the project will present a series of
public solo violin performances at diverse venues across Providence, Rhode
Island, including libraries, community centers, schools, and outdoor festivals.
These performances will feature a wide repertoire, from classical masterpieces
to original contemporary works, curated to reflect and engage the diverse
cultural fabric of the city.
Complementing these performances, John will lead interactive
educational workshops and demonstrations for students, adults, and families,
focusing on musical expression, the art of listening, and the cultural and
historical significance of violin music. The initiative will include
specialized sessions for underserved youth and adult learners, with
opportunities for hands-on learning, Q&A sessions, and community dialogue.
Artistic Excellence:
John N. Gold is a master violinist and educator with a track record of
emotionally evocative performances and insightful teaching. The programming is
designed to highlight the expressive range of the violin, explore innovative
compositions, and invite audience participation. Repertoire selection will
include works by Bériot, Bach, and Barber alongside original compositions by
Gold, providing a dynamic and engaging musical experience rooted in technical
mastery and artistic sensitivity.
Public Engagement:
This project is grounded in a philosophy of accessibility and inclusion. All
performances will be free and open to the public, with targeted outreach to
communities that traditionally have limited access to high-quality music
performances. Educational sessions will be tailored to the needs of each group,
using music as a tool for communication, creativity, and cultural connection.
The project also leverages digital platforms to share select performances and
educational content online, expanding its reach beyond the local community.
Outcomes and Evaluation:
Success will be measured through participant feedback, attendance numbers,
community partner evaluations, and qualitative assessments of learning
outcomes. A post-project report will synthesize these findings and help guide
future iterations of the initiative.
Conclusion:
"Violin Voices" seeks to reaffirm the transformative power of music
in public life, bringing exceptional artistry directly to communities and
inspiring lifelong engagement with the arts. Through this proposal, John N.
Gold invites the NEA to support a vision of music as a living, breathing force
that connects people across generations, cultures, and experiences.
This emphasizes my commitment to artistic excellence and public engagement through accessible
performances and educational outreach.
MODS:
Adjust the funding amount or project dates
Add letters of support, a budget, or bios
Tailor it to a specific NEA grant category
NEA Grant Proposal: Public Performance and Educational
Outreach Initiative
Applicant Name: John N. Gold
Project Title: Violin Voices: Bridging Communities through Performance and
Education
Primary Artistic Discipline: Music (Violin Performance & Composition)
Project Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Funding Request: $35,000
Project Description
"Violin Voices" is a community-centered initiative
that merges high-level artistic performance with robust educational outreach.
Led by violinist and composer John N. Gold, the project will present a series
of 15 public solo violin performances at diverse venues across Providence,
Rhode Island, including libraries, community centers, public schools, and
outdoor cultural festivals. These performances will feature a wide repertoire,
from classical masterpieces to original contemporary works, curated to reflect
and engage the diverse cultural fabric of the city.
Complementing these performances, John will lead 10
interactive educational workshops and demonstrations for students, adults, and
families, focusing on musical expression, the art of listening, and the
cultural and historical significance of violin music. The initiative includes
specialized sessions for underserved youth and adult learners, with
opportunities for hands-on learning, Q&A sessions, and community dialogue.
Select performances and workshops will be recorded and made accessible online
through a digital learning portal.
Artistic Excellence
John N. Gold is a master violinist and educator known for
emotionally evocative performances and insightful teaching. His concert
programming is designed to highlight the expressive range of the violin,
explore innovative compositions, and encourage audience interaction. The
repertoire will include works by Bériot, Bach, Barber, and Ysaye alongside
original compositions by Gold, fostering a dynamic musical experience that
integrates tradition with innovation.
Gold brings over two decades of performance and music
education experience, a history of successful community programming, and a
passion for artistic accessibility. His collaborations with schools and arts
organizations have consistently yielded high-impact, transformative outcomes
for learners of all backgrounds.
Public Engagement
Accessibility and inclusion are at the core of "Violin
Voices." All performances and workshops will be free and open to the
public. The initiative includes strategic outreach to communities that have
historically lacked access to professional live music. Local partners will
include public libraries, Title I schools, cultural organizations, and
neighborhood groups.
The project also leverages digital media for broader public
engagement. A dedicated section of John’s website will host video recordings,
educational materials, and behind-the-scenes content. This hybrid model ensures
access for individuals who are homebound, geographically distant, or otherwise
unable to attend events in person.
Promotional efforts will include printed flyers, local press
outreach, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local radio and
community bulletin boards to ensure wide community awareness and participation.
Community Partnerships
Key collaborators include:
Providence Public Library: Hosting performances and adult
music appreciation workshops.
Providence Public School District: Partnering for in-school
assemblies and music literacy workshops.
Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island: Supporting
multicultural concert nights.
Neighborhood Music School: Joint educational programming for
underserved youth.
Community MusicWorks: Assisting with outreach and performance
space logistics.
Project Timeline
Fall 2025:
Finalize partnerships and schedule performances/workshops
Begin promotional campaign
Launch digital content portal
Winter/Spring 2026:
Present 8 performances and 5 workshops
Record and upload content for online access
Summer 2026:
Present remaining 7 performances and 5 workshops
Host a culminating community showcase event
Collect final evaluations and publish a post-project report
Outcomes and Evaluation
Project success will be measured by:
Attendance tracking at performances and workshops
Online engagement analytics
Participant and partner surveys
Qualitative feedback from audience members and community
partners
Educator evaluations on student learning outcomes
Evaluation data will be used to inform future programming and
shared in a final project report distributed to stakeholders and posted
publicly.
Budget Summary (Total Project Budget: $47,000)
Artist Fees (Performance & Instruction): $18,000
Production & Equipment (Sound, Video, Editing): $8,000
Travel & Transportation: $2,000
Venue Rental & Insurance: $3,000
Marketing & Outreach: $4,000
Educational Materials: $2,000
Digital Platform Development: $5,000
Administrative & Evaluation Costs: $5,000
NEA Request: $35,000
Matching Funds (In-kind/Private Donations): $12,000
Conclusion
"Violin Voices" seeks to reaffirm the
transformative power of music in public life, bringing exceptional artistry
directly to diverse communities and inspiring lifelong engagement with the
arts. By supporting this initiative, the NEA will help cultivate a more
inclusive, artistically rich, and musically connected Providence. John N. Gold
invites the NEA to invest in a vision of music as a living, breathing force
that connects people across generations, cultures, and experiences.
NAMM Foundation Grant Proposal: Expanding Access to Music
Education Through Technology
Applicant Name: John N. Gold
Project Title: Violin for All: An App-Based Curriculum for Underserved Adult
Learners
Organization (if applicable): [Insert Studio or Business Name]
Project Dates: [Insert Start and End Dates]
Funding Request: [Insert Amount Requested]
Project Summary:
"Violin for All" is a technology-driven educational initiative
designed to expand access to high-quality music instruction for underserved
adult learners. Developed by professional violinist, composer, and educator
John N. Gold, the curriculum is delivered through a custom-built app that
integrates video lessons, interactive exercises, digital sheet music, and
real-time feedback tools. The program is especially tailored for learners who
may not have access to in-person instruction due to geographic, financial, or
social barriers.
Project Goals:
Provide free or low-cost violin education to adult learners
in underserved communities.
Support music educators by offering a flexible,
standards-aligned curriculum they can implement in classrooms or remote
settings.
Foster lifelong engagement with music through a culturally
responsive and inclusive teaching model.
Project Description:
The app-based curriculum is designed for both self-paced learning and use in
educational settings. It includes progressive lesson modules covering
foundational technique, music literacy, historical context, and creative
expression. Key features include:
Gamified learning: motivational elements to keep users
engaged.
Accessible design: optimized for mobile devices, low
bandwidth, and users with disabilities.
Educator dashboard: enables teachers to track student
progress, assign lessons, and access additional teaching resources.
Educators working in Title I schools, community centers, and
adult education programs will be invited to pilot the curriculum with free
access during the initial project phase. Training webinars and educator support
materials will ensure successful implementation.
Alignment with NAMM Foundation Priorities:
This project directly addresses NAMM Foundation’s commitment to promoting music
education for all by:
Reaching underserved populations and adult learners often
excluded from traditional music programs.
Supporting music educators with a ready-to-use, flexible
teaching resource.
Encouraging innovation in music education through digital
tools.
Outcomes and Evaluation:
Impact will be measured through:
Number of users accessing the curriculum and app.
Feedback from educators and learners via surveys and
interviews.
Quantitative data on skill acquisition and course completion
rates.
Case studies from partner educators and institutions.
Conclusion:
"Violin for All" bridges the gap between passion and access, offering
music educators a transformative tool to reach adult learners who have
historically been left behind. With NAMM Foundation’s support, this initiative
will empower both teachers and students to rediscover the joy and potential of
music education—anytime, anywhere.
This highlights my commitment to music educator access and outreach to underserved
communities.
MODS:
Add budget details or letters of support?
Expand the educator training section?
Include screenshots or a brief curriculum overview for an
appendix?
NAMM Foundation Grant Proposal: Expanding Access to Music
Education Through Technology
Applicant Name: John N. Gold
Project Title: Violin for All: An App-Based Curriculum for Underserved Adult
Learners
Organization: Gold Violin Studios
Project Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Funding Request: $30,000
Project Summary
"Violin for All" is a technology-driven educational
initiative designed to expand access to high-quality music instruction for
underserved adult learners. Developed by professional violinist, composer, and
educator John N. Gold, the curriculum is delivered through a custom-built app
that integrates video lessons, interactive exercises, digital sheet music, and
real-time feedback tools. The program is especially tailored for learners who
may not have access to in-person instruction due to geographic, financial, or
social barriers.
Project Goals
Provide free or low-cost violin education to adult learners
in underserved communities.
Support music educators by offering a flexible,
standards-aligned curriculum they can implement in classrooms or remote
settings.
Foster lifelong engagement with music through a culturally
responsive and inclusive teaching model.
Project Description
The app-based curriculum includes progressive modules
covering:
Foundational technique
Music literacy and ear training
Historical and cultural context of violin music
Creative expression through improvisation and composition
Key Features:
Gamified Learning: Motivational badges, progress tracking,
and goal-based challenges
Accessible Design: Optimized for mobile devices,
low-bandwidth environments, and users with vision, hearing, or mobility
challenges
Educator Dashboard: Enables teachers to monitor student
progress, assign lessons, and access instructional guides and training videos
During the pilot phase, educators working in Title I schools,
community centers, libraries, and adult learning programs will be invited to
use the app at no cost. Participants will receive implementation support
through training webinars, a digital resource library, and ongoing technical
assistance.
Alignment with NAMM Foundation Priorities
This project directly addresses NAMM Foundation’s commitment
to:
Access for All: Reaching underserved populations and adult
learners often excluded from traditional music programs
Educator Support: Providing a ready-to-use, flexible teaching
tool that aligns with national music education standards
Innovation: Harnessing digital tools and multimedia to expand
the boundaries of music instruction
Community & Educator Partnerships
Current and anticipated partners include:
Providence Public Library: Offering adult learners space and
equipment to use the app in guided group settings
Lifelong Learning RI: Providing access to adult education
cohorts for pilot testing
Community MusicWorks: Supporting curriculum refinement and
cultural responsiveness
Providence Public Schools: Collaborating to offer in-service
training for music educators
Educator Training Plan
Music educators participating in the pilot will receive:
Two live virtual training sessions led by John N. Gold
A comprehensive implementation guide with best practices for
teaching adults
Access to a private online forum for Q&A and peer support
Opportunities to provide input on app features and suggest
improvements
Outcomes and Evaluation
Impact will be evaluated using both qualitative and
quantitative data:
Number of users and completed lessons
Feedback from educators and learners via surveys and
interviews
Analytics tracking engagement time and skill mastery
Case studies from participating educators and community
partners
User retention and progression through curriculum milestones
Project Timeline
Fall 2025:
App beta testing with educators and learners
Educator training and content refinement
Winter 2026:
Public release of the app
Begin data collection and user support
Spring/Summer 2026:
Analyze impact data
Host a virtual showcase of learner progress and educator
stories
Publish a final report and plan next-phase development
Budget Summary (Total Project Budget: $45,000)
App Development & Maintenance: $15,000
Curriculum Design & Video Production: $8,000
Educator Training and Support: $4,000
Marketing and Outreach: $3,000
Accessibility Enhancements (e.g., captioning, alt text):
$3,000
Project Evaluation & Analytics: $5,000
Administrative & Miscellaneous Costs: $7,000
NAMM Foundation Request: $30,000
Matching Support (Private Donations/In-Kind): $15,000
Conclusion
"Violin for All" bridges the gap between passion
and access, offering music educators a transformative tool to reach adult
learners who have historically been left behind. With NAMM Foundation’s
support, this initiative will empower both teachers and students to rediscover
the joy and potential of music education—anytime, anywhere.
Supplemental materials including sample lesson screenshots,
educator testimonials, and a video demonstration are available upon request.
Local Arts Council Grant Proposal: Community Enrichment
through Local Partnerships and Cultural Programming
Applicant Name: John N. Gold
Project Title: Strings in the City: A Violin-Centered Cultural Engagement
Initiative
Project Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Project Dates: [Insert Start and End Dates]
Funding Request: [Insert Amount Requested]
Project Summary:
"Strings in the City" is a locally-focused cultural engagement
initiative designed to enrich the Providence community through a vibrant mix of
live violin performances, educational events, and collaborative programs with
neighborhood organizations. Led by local violinist and educator John N. Gold,
the initiative fosters access to the arts, celebrates cultural diversity, and
deepens community connection through music.
Project Goals:
Enrich local neighborhoods with high-quality, culturally
relevant violin performances.
Collaborate with local schools, libraries, community centers,
and arts organizations to create interactive programming.
Promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue through
music.
Community Partnerships:
The project will be carried out in partnership with:
Providence Community Library: Hosting educational workshops
and mini-concerts.
Southside Cultural Center: Providing a venue for
multicultural music nights.
Local Public Schools: Integrating music appreciation sessions
into school-day or afterschool programs.
Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS): Collaborating on
performances that blend storytelling and violin music rooted in African
diasporic traditions.
Neighborhood Music Project: Co-developing youth music
engagement activities.
Cultural Programming Elements:
Pop-Up Concerts in parks, cafes, and galleries featuring
diverse musical styles.
Interactive Lecture-Performances exploring the history of
violin music from Baroque to contemporary.
Family Music Days with hands-on instrument demonstrations and
participatory activities.
Artist Meetups for local musicians to connect and co-create
in an open forum.
Community Enrichment:
By bringing live music and culturally relevant programming directly into
neighborhoods, "Strings in the City" aims to make the arts a regular,
meaningful part of community life. The project addresses gaps in access while
nurturing a sense of pride, belonging, and shared creative identity across
cultural lines.
Outcomes and Evaluation:
Impact will be assessed through audience attendance, partner feedback,
post-event surveys, and community testimonials. A culminating community
celebration will showcase participant work and gather input for future
programming.
Conclusion:
With support from the Local Arts Council, "Strings in the City" will
activate community spaces with music, strengthen local partnerships, and
elevate cultural understanding through the universal language of the violin.
The project celebrates Providence’s diversity while investing in its cultural
future.
This centers on my priorities of community enrichment,
local partnerships, and cultural programming in Providence.
MODS:
Add specific dates or a timeline?
Attach partner letters of support?
Include a budget breakdown or marketing plan?
Local Arts Council Grant Proposal
Applicant Name: John N. Gold
Project Title: Strings in the City: A Violin-Centered Cultural Engagement
Initiative
Project Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Project Dates: June 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
Funding Request: $15,000
Project Summary
"Strings in the City" is a community-focused
cultural engagement initiative that brings violin-centered programming to
diverse neighborhoods throughout Providence. Through dynamic performances,
educational workshops, and creative partnerships with local organizations, this
initiative fosters artistic accessibility, celebrates cultural diversity, and
strengthens community identity. Led by violinist, educator, and community arts
advocate John N. Gold, this project seeks to create lasting impact through
direct cultural engagement.
Project Goals
Enrich neighborhoods with high-quality, culturally relevant
violin performances.
Collaborate with schools, libraries, and arts organizations
to provide accessible, interactive programming.
Promote cross-cultural understanding and intergenerational
dialogue through music.
Community Partnerships
Providence Community Library: Educational workshops,
instrument demonstrations, and mini-concerts at branch locations.
Southside Cultural Center: Multicultural music evenings,
featuring violin performances with guest artists from diverse backgrounds.
Local Public Schools: Interactive school-day or afterschool
sessions that combine violin performance with musical storytelling.
Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS): Collaborative events
integrating African diasporic storytelling and music.
Neighborhood Music Project: Youth engagement events and
artist mentorship opportunities.
Cultural Programming Elements
Pop-Up Concerts: Informal, site-specific performances in
parks, community centers, galleries, and cafés across Providence.
Lecture-Performances: Engaging presentations on the violin’s
musical evolution, showcasing pieces from the Baroque to contemporary
composers.
Family Music Days: Inclusive events featuring participatory
music-making, interactive demos, and storytelling.
Artist Meetups: Open gatherings for local musicians to
collaborate, share ideas, and explore new cultural intersections in music.
Project Timeline
Date Range |
Activities |
May 2025 |
Finalize partner agreements, secure venues, begin promotion |
June–August 2025 |
Pop-Up Concerts, School/Library Programs, Artist Meetups |
September–October 2025 |
Lecture-Performances, Family Music Days, RIBS Collaboration |
November 2025 |
Final programming and Community Celebration |
December 2025 |
Post-event surveys, feedback analysis, reporting |
Budget Breakdown (Estimated)
Item |
Cost |
Artist Fees (including lead artist + guest musicians) |
$6,000 |
Equipment & Rentals (sound system, stands, signage) |
$1,200 |
Marketing & Promotion (flyers, digital ads, social
media) |
$1,000 |
Venue Costs / Honorariums |
$2,500 |
Materials for Workshops & Activities |
$1,000 |
Transportation & Travel |
$800 |
Administration / Project Coordination |
$2,000 |
Total |
$14,500 (Remainder allocated to contingency/emergency
costs) |
Marketing & Community Outreach Plan
Marketing efforts will be both grassroots and digital,
targeting a wide range of audiences in Providence:
Flyers and posters at local businesses, schools, libraries,
and community centers.
Social media campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and local
event pages.
Email newsletters sent to arts organizations, cultural
centers, and educational institutions.
Collaboration with partner organizations to promote events
via their networks.
Press releases and interviews with local radio and news
outlets.
Interactive website page for Strings in the City with
schedule, bios, and community stories.
Outcomes and Evaluation
The project’s success will be evaluated through:
Event attendance tracking and engagement levels (e.g.,
participation in hands-on activities).
Post-event surveys for attendees and partner feedback forms.
Community testimonials, photos, and videos collected
throughout the initiative.
A final Community Celebration showcasing participant work,
highlights from performances, and shared reflections on the program's impact.
A compiled impact report with recommendations for sustaining
future programming.
Letters of Support
Pending from:
Providence Community Library
Southside Cultural Center
Rhode Island Black Storytellers
Neighborhood Music Project
Participating public school administrators
(These will be attached as part of the final submission.)
Conclusion
With the support of the Local Arts Council, "Strings in
the City" will transform community spaces into stages of cultural
celebration and creativity. This initiative will not only bring the beauty and
depth of violin music into public life but will also reinforce the power of
collaboration, inclusion, and cultural storytelling through the arts. It is a
sound investment in Providence’s creative and communal future.
Would you like help formatting this into a professional PDF,
or writing the letters of support for partners to sign?
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