Summerfest organizer funds music education – grant deadline is Oct. 31
Through the Let The Music Play program, Milwaukee World Festival and American Family Insurance support music programs for young people. Schools and groups can apply until Saturday.
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Video: YouTube · Summerfest · youtube.com
Milwaukee World Festival, the nonprofit that runs Summerfest, and American Family Insurance are accepting applications for their Let The Music Play grant program through Oct. 31. Nonprofit organizations and schools offering music-based programming to young people in Milwaukee County can apply, from band, orchestra, jazz and choir to musical theater and dance.
More than 60 grants have been awarded since the program began, and 2026 marks its ninth year with American Family Insurance. Past grants have paid for instruments, sound and recording equipment, music technology and dance attire; earlier recipients include Girls Rock MKE, the Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra and Milwaukee High School of the Arts. Amounts depend on need and may exceed $2,500, according to Summerfest.
"Music education provides students opportunities to discover their talents inside and outside the classroom," MWF President and CEO Sarah Pancheri said in a statement. Summerfest 2027 runs over three weekends: June 24-26, July 1-3 and July 8-10.