MusiCounts Band Aid Program Overview
What: The MusiCounts Band Aid program provides musical instruments in increments of $5,000 or $10,000 to schools whose music programs are in need of instruments to ensure their sustained growth.
Who Can Apply: Elementary, Jr. High, Secondary, and Separate schools in Canada for their school curriculum music programs.
When: Applications open in September and close in November - applications are adjudicated by February
How: Please review all information and criteria below, then apply by clicking the button below
Information On This Page
- Application Process & Timelines
- Materials & Information You Need To Apply to the Band Aid Program
- Sample Application & Checklist
- Eligibility Criteria
- Evaluation Criteria
- Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
Applications Open
Mid September 2017
Applicants Notified
Late Feb/ Early March
Applications Close
Mid November 2017
Instrument Quotes Due
March 2018
Evaluation Period
December 2017 - February 2018
Photo & Video to MusiCounts
Ongoing - keep sharing your stories
Materials & Information You Need To Apply
1. Specific information on the school music program(s)
- # of students in the school and music program -
- Plan for the program going forward - Information on teacher(s)
2. Inventory of current musical instruments
3. Musical instrument wish list
4. Business Number/ Charitable Number of the School or School Board
- We need this for tax purposes
5. Additional information on your particular program’s story, compelling needs and the overall potential impact of instruments
- Why you need this supply of instruments including any information on need level of school and school community
- What makes your program unique? Please tell us of any individual stories that make this program stand out
- How this supply of instruments would affect your current and future programs
- Qualifications of music teacher(s) and the level of his/her dedication to the program
- Evidence/history of a fundraising program for the music program in the last 5 years
- Any additional information (First Nation students, special needs, breakfast programs, other awards, etc.)
Band Aid - Useful Tools
Eligibility Criteria
The MusiCounts Band Aid Program is only open to elementary, jr. high, secondary and separate school music programs in Canada. The programs must be curriculum-based.
Ineligible Applicants
MusiCounts Band Aid instruments will not be awarded to:
- After school music programs (instruments can be used for these, but the main purpose must be for the school curriculum program)
- Community music programs, but don’t worry we have another program for that - please visit the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program page
- Private schools and/or schools that charge admission and/or tuition fees for their students
- Schools that have received a grant from MusiCounts in the last five years
- School music programs outside of Canada
- Schools that charge tuition
- Individuals
- Private foundations
- Political organizations
- Athletic teams or social groups
- Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, disability or religion
- Research organizations or projects
- Fundraising events (e.g., golf tournaments, school events)
- Scholarship organizations
Band Aid Impact Numbers
853
Schools
8
Million Dollars
Evaluation Criteria
There are many factors considered when evaluating MusiCounts Band Aid Program applications. Each school program is unique, but below are the main criteria used to evaluate applications:
- Economic need of the program and the school community
- Inventory and condition of current instruments
- Dedication of school staff & support for the program to be executed as outlined
- Number of students participating in the program and overall impact on the school community
- Community support of the program, which could include people such as parents, school board members, parent council members, etc.
- Unique stories about students and the program that show the need level and the potential impact of MusiCounts instruments
Band Aid Program - Frequently Asked Questions
MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity. The MusiCounts Band Aid Program provides instruments and equipment to school music programs in Canada that are in need of instruments to ensure their sustained growth.
The MusiCounts Band Aid Program supplies instruments to school music programs in Canada. Only school curriculum based music programs are eligible to apply for the MusiCounts Band Aid Program.
The application is on the MusiCounts website on this page during the application time period. If you prefer a physical copy, please contact Ashley Sperling [email protected] Please note the application period for the 2016-2017 school year is now closed. The next application will be available September 2017.
Anyone can apply for the MusiCounts Band Aid Program on behalf of the school, however applications are typically submitted by the school music teacher, principal or member of parent council. Please make sure the music teacher and the principal at the school are aware of the application.
We are looking for information on any factors that identify the need level of your particular school and school community. Each situation is unique but some factors may include: number of students from low-income families, number of students from single parent households, number of students who would be classified as English language learners, geographic isolation, assistance programs at the school such as breakfast or lunch programs, special needs students, etc.
The MusiCounts Band Aid Program can only be used for instrument and equipment purchases related directly to using the instruments. 15% or less of your estimated budget may be used to purchase music stands, sheet music, guitar hooks, cases and other instrument requirements. The Band Aid Program will not pay for teacher’s salaries, travel costs, etc. Typically you provide the quotes and invoices, and MusiCounts pays your instrument supplier directly.
Yes. A separate application must be submitted for each school music program.
Schools are selected based on criteria such as socio-economic need; inventory and condition of instruments; number of students; dedication of school staff; and overall impact the grant would make within the school community.
The application period for the 2016-2017 Band Aid Program is now closed. Please check back in early September 2017 for next year’s application. The application deadline is typically early November.
The MusiCounts Band Aid Program supplies instruments in $5,000 and $10,000 allotments. The total amount of schools awarded depend on the program budget each year.
Yes! This program is meant for all musical instruments and are not limited to only brass. You can apply for different programs including Concert Band, Marching Band, Orff, Orchestra, Choir, Strings, Rock Band, etc.
The recipients for 2016-2017 will be announced early 2017. MusiCounts lets you know whether your application is approved or declined.
Congratulations! We will contact you with all of the information that you need to submit. This includes a maximum of 3 quotes from your preferred suppliers. Once we approve them, we contact your suppliers to have the instruments shipped to you directly and we take care of the invoices. We also require our recipients to keep us up-to-date on their program and submit stories and photos.
Yes- the supplies of instruments is provided to the school, rather than the individual teacher. However, due to the limited funding available every year, schools that have received supplies of instruments through MusiCounts in the last 5 years are ineligible. You can apply again after the 5 year period.
For example, in 2017 schools who received instruments in 2010-2011 are eligible to apply, but schools who received instruments in 2011-2012 are not eligible to apply.
Once you submit your application online, you will receive a confirmation email stating that we have received it.
Please submit any additional documents to [email protected] You must submit this PRIOR to the deadline.
Please contact Ashley Sperling at [email protected] Due to the volume of questions we receive, it may take us a few days to respond.