FundersCalifornia

Music Matters Fund Inc

Santa Barbara, CA · EIN 85-1467296. Reported 237 grants totalling $3,637,511 to 200 organizations across tax years 2021-2024. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.

Yesaccepts unsolicited requests
$9,000median grant
$3,637,511granted, 2021-2024
200organizations funded
10%of grantees funded again the next year
$1,382,726assets, latest filing

Does this foundation accept applications?

Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. Music Matters Fund Inc did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.

This is the foundation's own statement to the IRS, not our judgement, and it says nothing about whether they have a form, a deadline, or an appetite for new grantees. Treat it as the reason this foundation is worth your research time, not as an invitation. Many small foundations of this kind have no website and no application process -- a letter of inquiry is the normal first step.

How big are its grants?

The median grant is $9,000. Half of everything it gave fell between $5,000 and $20,000; the smallest was $250 and the largest $50,000. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.

Under $1,000
1 grant
$1,000 - $5,000
3 grants
$5,000 - $10,000
125 grants
$10,000 - $25,000
51 grants
$25,000 - $50,000
46 grants
$50,000 - $100,000
11 grants

Every organization it funded

This is the complete list from its filings, largest first. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which the organization received money -- more than one means a real relationship rather than a one-off.

OrganizationLocationTotal receivedGrantsYears fundedLast
Maple Leaf BarNew Orleans, LA$80,000222024
Black Cat Hospitality Group LLCSan Francisco, CA$63,500332024
Caffe Lena IncSaratoga Springs, NY$60,000222023
Parlor RoomNorthampton, MA$60,000222024
Jazz GalleryNew York, NY$59,000222024
Songbyrd Music HouseWashington, DC$55,000222022
Issue Project RoomBrooklyn, NY$54,000332024
Roots Music Project FoundationBoulder, CO$51,000222024
Bogey Depot IncNew York, NY$50,000112022
Casbah IncSan Diego, CA$50,000112021
Chocolate Church Arts CenterBath, ME$50,000332024
HideoutChicago, IL$50,000112021
Ivy RoomAlbany, CA$50,000112021
Lost ChurchSan Francisco, CA$50,000332024
Royal RoomSeattle, WA$50,000222024
SubterraneanChicago, IL$50,000112021
Sunset TavernSeattle, WA$50,000112021
Tatu LLCNew York, NY$50,000112022
Drkmttr Collective LLCGoodlettsville, TN$48,000222024
MintLos Angeles, CA$45,000112021
Fremont Abbey Arts CenterSeattle, WA$44,000222024
Grand Vision FoundationSan Pedro, CA$43,000222024
Cactus ClubMilwaukee, WI$42,000112021
La Pena Cultural CenterBerkeley, CA$41,000222024
One Longfellow Square IncPortland, ME$41,000222024
Ashkenaz Music and Dance CoBerkeley, CA$40,000112021
Bars We Like IncSeattle, WA$40,000112023
Blue Jay Listening RoomJacksonville Beach, FL$40,000112024
Bronx Music Heritage CenterBronx, NY$40,000112022
Fso LLCWest Brattleboro, VT$40,000112023
Raven and the Bow LLCAlbany, CA$40,000112023
Sosa and Zuco LLCBrooklyn, NY$40,000112022
The Straitjacket LLCPhoenix, AZ$40,000112023
47 Palmer IncCambridge, MA$39,500112023
Jazz St LouisSt Louis, MO$38,866222024
118 NorthWayne, PA$38,500222024
Motr PubCincinnati, OH$38,000222024
Big Soda LLCSan Diego, CA$35,000222022
Chris's Jazz CafePhiladelphia, PA$35,000112024
D Squared Productions IncBend, OR$35,000222022
Rag IncProvidence, RI$35,000112023
The Hotel CafeLos Angeles, CA$35,000222023
Bossa BistroWashington, DC$30,000112024
Devil's Backbone TavernFischer, TX$30,000112024
Harmony Hospitality LLCArlington Heights, IL$30,000112023
Jalopy TheatreBrooklyn, NY$30,000112024
Ks Klub LLCCleveland Heights, OH$30,000112024
Musonics LLCMadison, WI$30,000112023
The Muse Performance SpaceLafayette, CO$30,000112023
Wslr IncSarasota, FL$30,000112024
ZenbarnWaterbury Center, VT$30,000112021
Kuumbwa JazzSanta Cruz, CA$29,000222024
58 Group IncCleveland, OH$25,000112023
BarbozaSeattle, WA$25,000112021
Boggy Depot IncNew York, NY$25,000112023
Bowery ElectricNew York, NY$25,000112021
Dazzlejazz IncDenver, CO$25,000112023
Jammin JavaReston, VA$25,000112021
SpaceEvanston, IL$25,000112021
Dazzle DenverDenver, CO$22,500112021
Acorn Center for Performing ArtsThree Oaks, MI$22,000112024
Cafe NineNew Haven, CT$20,000112021
Elastic Arts FoundationChicago, IL$20,000112023
Flint Local 432Flint, MI$20,000112022
Hi-DiveDenver, CO$20,000112021
Rebel Rebel Studio & LoungeBerea, KY$20,000112024
Rosa's LoungeChicago, IL$20,000112022
Club CafePittsburgh, PA$17,500112021
Cole's BarChicago, IL$17,500222024
Levon Helm Studios IncWoodstock, NY$17,500112021
Seven Steps Up Live Music & EventsSpring Lake, MI$17,500112021
Hungry Brain IncChicago, IL$17,000222023
20 Front Street Concepts LLCLake Orion, MI$16,750222023
Spot on KirkRoanoke, VA$15,300112024
El Rio Your DriveSan Francisco, CA$15,000222024
Godfrey Daniels IncBethlehem, PA$15,000112022
Jilly's Music RoomAkron, OH$15,000222024
Mcgonigel's Mucky DuckHouston, TX$15,000112021
Mercury LoungeTulsa, OK$15,000112021
Pb Jake LLCColumbus, OH$15,000112023
Word BarnExeter, NH$15,000112021
Mr Tipples Recording StudioSan Francisco, CA$14,000222024
The 5 SpotNashville, TN$13,500222024
Bay Area Jazz & Arts IncOakland, CA$13,000222024
Nocturne Jazz & Supper ClubDenver, CO$13,000112024
Flat IronGreensboro, NC$12,500112022
Floyd Country Store LLCFloyd, VA$12,000222023
Bop StopCleveland, OH$11,600112021
3420 Blues Club IncChicago, IL$10,000112024
Club PassimCambridge, MA$10,000112021
Dance ElixirOakland, CA$10,000112023
Groundworks TucsonTucson, AZ$10,000112024
Holland ProjectReno, NV$10,000112024
Hoosier DomeIndianapolis, IN$10,000222022
Jazz ShowcaseChicago, IL$10,000112021
Jonathan's RestaurantOgunquit, ME$10,000112021
Kennett FlashKennett Square, PA$10,000112021
Milk Truck Productions LLCLawrence, KS$10,000112024
Old Quarter Acoustic CafeGalveston, TX$10,000112021
Piradical ProductionsIndianapolis, IN$10,000112023
Real Art TacomaTacoma, WA$10,000112022
Rosax CorporationNew Orleans, LA$10,000112023
St Claude LLCNew Orleans, LA$10,000112024
Xbk LLCDes Moines, IA$10,000112023
Xray Arcade LLCCudahy, WI$10,000112024
Snug Harbor LLCCharlotte, NC$9,600112024
Ojai Arts ExchangeOjai, CA$9,500112024
Outerborougharts LLCQueens, NY$9,500112023
Cactus Patch LLCMilwaukee, WI$9,000112023
East Room LLCNashville, TN$9,000112024
Eddie Owen PresentsDuluth, GA$9,000112024
Garden Concerts LLCFalmouth, ME$9,000112023
Make ShiftBellingham, WA$9,000112024
Nobodysbaby LLCSan Francisco, CA$9,000112024
Rhizomedc IncWashington, DC$9,000112024
Sivan Design LLCNew York, NY$9,000112024
SpacePortland, ME$9,000112024
Focal Point CorpSt Louis, MO$8,545112024
Alexander Hernandez Dba Alex's BarLong Beach, CA$8,500112023
Asociacion Acirc CorpSan Juan, PR$8,000112022
Bright and Lyon LLCExeter, NH$8,000112023
Casbah Rock IncSan Diego, CA$8,000112023
Conor Byrne CooperativeSeattle, WA$8,000112024
Golden DaggerChicago, IL$8,000112022
The Foundry Lakewood LLCFairview Park, OH$8,000112023
Waterside LLCSan Francisco, CA$8,000112024
The Egremont Village Inn LLCSouth Egremont, MA$7,500112023
Bona Fide Productions LLCColumbus, OH$7,000112023
Ewrb LLCCleveland, OH$7,000112023
Falcon Music & Art ProductionsMarlboro, NY$7,000112023
Hideout Inn IncChicago, IL$7,000112023
Lager House LLCDetroit, MI$7,000112024
Li Rumba CafeColumbus, OH$7,000112023
Living Traditions IncBrooklyn, NY$7,000112023
Penultima IncSeattle, WA$7,000112023
Ramble on Productions LLCColumbus, OH$7,000112023
Thelostchurchorg IncSan Francisco, CA$7,000112023
7DRUM Lessons LLCWashington, DC$6,500112024
Churchill Baker LLCBaker City, OR$6,100112024
Beat Kitchen on Belmont LLCChicago, IL$6,000112023
Fox Valley Music FoundationAurora, IL$6,000112023
Hanover Street Studios LLCPortland, ME$6,000112024
Jason TorsLittleton, NH$6,000112024
Next Stage Arts Project IncPutney, VT$6,000112023
Ssp Holdings LLCBrooklyn, NY$6,000112023
The Parlor Room CollectiveNorthampton, MA$6,000112023
ViaductTacoma, WA$6,000112023
Screwdriver Bar LLCSeattle, WA$5,500112023
Abilene Dry Goods IncRochester, NY$5,000112022
Art Boutiki Entertainment LLCSan Jose, CA$5,000112022
Audioleaf Schubas OperatingChicago, IL$5,000112021
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society inEl Granada, CA$5,000112022
Beat Kitchen IncChicago, IL$5,000112021
Black Circle Brewing Co LLCIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Blackstone River TheatreCumberland, RI$5,000112022
Blanchardboys LLCPortland, OR$5,000112021
Brixton CorporationFort Wayne, IN$5,000112021
Cafe CodaMadison, WI$5,000112021
Cafe Colonial LLCSacramento, CA$5,000112023
Cave Collective FoundationRapid City, SD$5,000112021
Cindelphia Entertainment LLCPhiladelphia, PA$5,000112021
Ddd EnterprisesClarksdale, MS$5,000112022
Earlville Opera House IncEarlville, NY$5,000112022
Egremont BarnSouth Egremont, MA$5,000112022
Falcon Music & Arts ProductionsMarlboro, NY$5,000112021
FootlightRidgewood, NY$5,000112022
Fox Dream Presents IncSanta Cruz, CA$5,000112021
Friends and Lovers IncBrooklyn, NY$5,000112022
Jazz Kitchen IncIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Kilby CourtSalt Lake City, UT$5,000112021
Myrna LoyHelena, MT$5,000112021
NashPhoenix, AZ$5,000112021
New Deal CafeGreenbelt, MD$5,000112023
Old Songs IncVoorheesville, NY$5,000112022
Pal Promotions LLCPortland, OR$5,000112023
Pausa Art House LLCBuffalo, NY$5,000112023
Perfect NoteBessemer, AL$5,000112021
Poppers Locarno LLCRidgewood, NY$5,000112022
Radio Bean IncBurlington, VT$5,000112022
Radio Radio IncIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Robin TheatreLansing, MI$5,000112021
Safety Harbor Art and Music CenterSafety Harbor, FL$5,000112022
SaintHopewell, NJ$5,000112022
SanctuaryHamtramck, MI$5,000112022
Saxon PubAustin, TX$5,000112021
Shakedown LLCBellingham, WA$5,000112022
Shapeshifter LabBrooklyn, NY$5,000112022
Spillway Bridge LLCMarion, NC$5,000112022
St Babs FoundationCape May, NJ$5,000112022
Stone ChurchBrattleboro, VT$5,000112022
Thee ParksideSan Francisco, CA$5,000112021
Tk Productions and Events LLCBessemer, AL$5,000112023
Trinosophes LLCDetroit, MI$5,000112021
Trunk SpacePhoenix, AZ$5,000112021
Upper Jay Art CenterUpper Jay, NY$5,000112022
Wally's CafeBoston, MA$5,000112021
Jamey's House of MusicLansdowne, PA$4,500112024
Championship Music LLCSanta Cruz, CA$4,000112023
Opolis Productions LLCNorman, OK$4,000112023
Soho Restaurant & ClubSanta Barbara, CA$250112021

33 of 200 (16%) received money in more than one year over the 4 years we hold.

Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 10%, across 3 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is less consistent than most. A high number means its list is close to settled and a newcomer has to displace someone; a low one means it is still moving money around, which is where an opening is.

What kind of organizations it funds

By the recipient's own IRS classification, for the 51 grants where we could identify the organization. These are assigned categories, not our guesses.

Arts & Culture
46 grants
Philanthropy & Grantmaking
3 grants
Education
1 grant
Public & Societal Benefit
1 grant

Giving by year

Tax yearGrantsTotalMedian grant
202170$1,095,600$10,000
202248$731,500$5,000
202360$797,000$8,000
202459$1,013,411$10,000

Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.

Where its money goes

Foundations concentrate geographically far more than their mission statements suggest. 18% of this one's giving went to organizations in California. If you are outside its footprint, that matters more than how well your programme fits.

California
$653K
New York
$539K
Illinois
$286K
Washington
$260K
Ohio
$171K
Colorado
$162K
Massachusetts
$133K
Pennsylvania
$126K

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Funders that support the same organizations

These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are the strongest available signal that two funders have overlapping priorities, and a funder already backing your peers is a far warmer prospect than one that merely lists your cause.

Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc16 shared recipientsFidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund15 shared recipientsAmerican Online Giving Foundation Inc7 shared recipientsVanguard Charitable Endowment Program6 shared recipientsNcrc Community Development Fund Inc6 shared recipientsMid Atlantic Arts Inc5 shared recipients

How to approach this foundation

  1. Check you are its size. The median grant is $9,000. Asking for ten times that is the most common way small organizations waste a submission.
  2. Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in California.
  3. Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
  4. Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.

Related guides

Foundations funding arts & culture in CaliforniaEvery funder in this group, rankedFoundations funding education in CaliforniaEvery funder in this group, rankedFoundations funding arts & culture in New YorkEvery funder in this group, rankedFoundations funding education in New YorkEvery funder in this group, ranked

Where these numbers come from

Everything above is taken from Music Matters Fund Inc's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 4 returns (tax years 2021-2024). Nothing here is scraped, inferred, or estimated.

Address of record on the latest return: 2549 Sycamore Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93108. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.

EIN 85-1467296 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this

This is history, not an open call. Foundation returns are published about a year after the tax year ends. Nothing on this page is a deadline. It is a record of who this foundation has actually funded, which is the best available predictor of who it will fund next -- and a much better basis for deciding whether to write to them than a mission statement.

Is something here wrong about your foundation? Email hello@funderscope.com and we will correct it.