Apply for an Artist Project Grant

Current Grant Cycle:

• Summer 2026 Grant Cycle: OPEN NOW! Applications open on June 1, 2026 and close on July 15, 2026. Awards announced: September/October 2026.

Upcoming Grant Cycles:

• Winter 2027 Grant Cycle: Applications open on January 2, 2027 and close on February 15, 2027. Awards announced: April/May 2027.

• Summer 2027 Grant Cycle: Applications open on June 1, 2027 and close on July 15, 2027. Awards announced: September/October 2027.

Note: All applications close at 11:59:59 P.M. PT

Past Grant Cycles:

• Winter 2026: Applications open on January 2, 2026 and close on February 15, 2026. Awards announced: April/May 2026.

• Summer 2025: Applications open June 1, 2025 and close July 16, 2025. Awards announced: September/October 2025.

• Fall 2024/Winter 2025: Applications open November 30, 2024 and close January 31, 2025. Awards announced: March/April 2025.

• Summer 2024: Applications open July 15, 2024 and close September 30, 2024.  Awards announced by November 30, 2024. June 28, 2024 (public announcement: week of July 1)

• Winter 2024: Applications open February 26, 2024 and close* April 16, 2024.  Awards announced on or before May 30, 2024

Salt Lick Incubator grants support emerging artists working in melody- and lyric-driven music. We look for artists with a distinct voice, strong storytelling, and a clear creative vision for their work and their world. Since 2022, we have supported artists building sustainable careers in independent, roots-inspired, and genre-blending musical spaces such as alt-folk, americana, bluegrass, indie rock, r&b, and soul, and many places in between. We recognize and embrace that genres today are fluid, overlapping, and ever-evolving.

We respect and love the full spectrum of music. Our goal is to be transparent about where we are currently best equipped to make an impact. Right now, we do not have the funding or infrastructure to meaningfully support artists working in the primary commercial genres where major labels tend to dominate (for example: electronic music, hip hop, commercial country, and pure pop). Our focus is on artists working in more independent, niche, or alternative spaces, where we can offer deeper, more hands-on support. In addition to funding, grant recipients receive mentorship and guidance from industry professionals, along with a personalized plan to help ensure their projects are both strategic and successful.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States

• Be individuals or small groups (i.e., duos, trios, bands)

• Be an emerging artist in the early stages of their professional artist careers

• Must own the master recordings of your music

• Must not have accepted an advance for the project being submitted

• Cannot be in an active contract with a record label

• Must not have released more than three (3) full-length albums of original music to date

• This grant is not subject to commission by any industry partners, managers, etc. - all funds must go directly to the artist

  If you believe that your work is aligned with our mission, values, and criteria, we welcome your application.

Applications go through an extensive, multi-round evaluation process and are evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following primary criteria:

• Quality of songwriting

• Strength of artistic voice and vision

• Commitment to building a sustainable, artist-led career

If you believe that your work is aligned with our mission, values, and criteria, we welcome your application.

A successful applicant is an emerging artist pursuing a career in song-driven music, performing at a high level, with a distinct artistic voice and vision. They submit a feasible project proposal that aligns with Salt Lick Incubator’s vision, mission, and strengths. Strong applicants provide a variety of their best work and clearly articulate their artistic vision to evaluators. A willingness to engage and collaborate with the broader musical community is highly encouraged. Before applying, please read our Statement of Purpose to learn more about the projects, artists, and music we are best suited to support.

Meet our current and past Salt Lick Incubator Artists →

With an award rate of ~1%, Salt Lick Incubator artists grants are extremely competitive. Some qualified candidates may not receive awards in a given cycle. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to re-apply as often as desired.

No person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, native language, disability, age, religion (creed), gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or military status shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination of services, programs and employment provided by the Salt Lick Incubator.

Amount:
Up to $15,000

Granting Organization:
Salt Lick Incubator

Upcoming Round: Summer 2026
Opens: June 1, 2026
Closes: July 15, 2026

Contact: grants@saltlickincubator.org