Live Music Society Now Taking Applications For 2025 Toolbox Grants  

The Live Music Society is now accepting applications for the nonprofits’ Toolbox grants, which provide up to $10,000 per venue to support practical projects that address operational challenges and needs.

The application process closes on Sept. 15 at 11:59 PM/PT with grantees announced in November with details on the organization’s website.

Since 2020, Live Music Society has distributed $4.8 million in funding to small venues and listening rooms across the United States. The Toolbox program was created in 2023 to expand support for small venue spaces with 77 recipients receiving $591,611 to fund critical upgrades over the first two rounds of the grants.

“The LMS Toolbox grant gave us the ability to upgrade our outdoor sound system to a four-point delivery and permanent install, so our sound techs don’t have to lug as much gear,” said Lynne Angel, El Reio Your Dive in San Francisco, California, a recipient in 2024. “Our sound is way more dialed in and consistent. We are thrilled at the opportunity – it has been something we wanted to do for years and the Live Music Society toolbox grant made that a reality.”

Grants have supported initiatives including improving safety and accessibility, incorporating innovative technology to maximize operations, engaging consultants to assist with a practical challenge (acoustics, ticketing, fundraising, branding) and fostering staff development through training and education.

General eligibility requirements include location of a physical venue and related business entity within the United States or its territories, a legal capacity of 50 to 300 individuals (including standing room), operational status on or before Jan. 1, 2022, a primary focus on live music (featuring solo artists or bands) and a minimum of 50 annual music performances, with management or ownership by the applicant (promoters and festivals are not eligible). Funding opportunities allow applicants to request up to $10,000 per submission, with prospective grantees providing a detailed budget outlining utilization.

Grants will be evaluated based on two criteria: the project’s vision for enhancing the live music experience for artists, audiences, or workers at the venue, and the project’s feasibility based on submission of the timeline and implementation plan. Funded projects must be implemented between Dec. 1 and May 31, 2026.