Grants Through the DEI Lens

If you’re a music educator seeking grant funding, there’s an important shift to keep in mind: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly at the forefront of grant proposals. Foundations and government agencies alike are putting more weight on projects that prioritize these values, as they recognize that inclusive initiatives foster richer, more innovative, and more effective outcomes. To be sure, there’s nothing like a grant proposal to force music teachers to take a stock of what’s actually going on in their programs and how they might address any issues through the DEI lens. But how do you infuse your grant proposal with DEI principles in a way that feels authentic and impactful? How can you make sure that you’re not writing a grant in a way just to “check off the boxes” that are now a seemingly main component of most grants? Here are some key strategies to help you create a winning proposal that resonates with today’s funding landscape.

Start by getting to know the funder’s specific DEI priorities. Most foundations or government agencies have DEI goals explicitly outlined, and it’s important to align your proposal with these. Take the time to learn about their mission, priorities, and any specific DEI objectives they may have. When you can demonstrate that your project contributes to the funder’s goals, you stand out as a more aligned, thoughtful applicant. For instance, if you’re applying to a foundation that values accessibility, mention how your program promotes inclusive access to music education.

Your commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity should shine through every part of your proposal—from your goals to your methodologies and expected outcomes. Describe how these values are woven into the fabric of your music program and how the funding will help support you this mission. For example, if your music program is designed to reach diverse student populations, explain how you’ll ensure all students feel represented and engaged in a meaningful way. This is where I find a lot of music teachers get stuck, especially if this is their first attempt towards being committed to DEI compared to past efforts. Writing a grant that doesn’t necessarily represent what your goals have been in the past might feel false and misleading.! If you are struggling to connect your proposed project with DEI, this would be an excellent time to reconsider whether the project should be re-designed to meet those criteria, or whether there is a different funding agency that might be more likely to support your project as it is in its current state. 

Detailing the ways your project will foster inclusion can make your proposal more compelling. Think about concrete strategies: Will your program include instruments adapted for students with disabilities? Are you offering multilingual materials to ensure accessibility for families who don’t speak English? Showing that you’ve planned for inclusivity signals that you’re committed to making every participant feel welcome and valued.

Consider questions like these to guide your proposal:

• Diversity: How will your project reach students from a variety of communities?
• Equity: What steps are you taking to remove barriers to participation in your music program through this project you are requesting funding for?
• Inclusion: How will you create an environment that respects and values all voices? In what ways does student agency play a role in your project? How can your project support the connection between what is happening in school music and what students are experiencing outside of school in their homes and communities?

Whenever possible, add case studies or examples from your past work. If you’ve previously run a successful program that incorporated DEI values, describe it! Did you partner with local organizations to reach a wider audience? Did you create a music mentorship program for students from diverse backgrounds? Concrete examples of your experience can illustrate your commitment to DEI and help reviewers envision the impact your current project will have.

For instance, you might showcase:

• Community Partnerships: Building relationships with organizations in underrepresented communities to attract diverse participants.
• Professional Development: Offering training that fosters understanding, appreciation and specific music teaching skills that can help support work with diverse populations.
• Mentorship and Support: Providing pathways for students from marginalized backgrounds to explore music as a career, allowing students access to leadership roles where students can support the inclusion and belonging of other students through mentorship.

Funders want to know that their investment will lead to measurable results, so be prepared to track and evaluate the success of your DEI strategies. Define clear metrics that will help you assess your program’s reach and impact. How will you know that your goals have been achieved? What would that look like? What is the evidence for this? Who is involved in this part of the project? Are you tracking participation data? Surveying participants about their experiences? Evaluating the long-term impact on students’ musical growth, music participation, inclusive practices in music classes, potential musical career development? A well thought out evaluation plan shows funders that you’re serious about making a difference.

Your commitment to DEI should be ongoing, not just a checkbox for grant funding. Talk about the larger practices, policies, or training that support DEI within your music program, school or organization. Funders are more likely to support initiatives that reflect a sustained dedication to these values, as these are the projects that lead to lasting change. Remember, DEI is not a “one and done” thing—it’s a long-game that requires consistent attention and care to make the impact many of us are striving for.

Incorporating DEI into your grant proposal isn’t just about satisfying funders’ requirements—it’s about building a more inclusive music education landscape. By thoughtfully aligning with these values, you’re not only strengthening your proposal, you’re also advancing music education’s reach and relevance for all students.

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Blog Post Contributor: Erin Zaffini