Music Performance Trust Fund | AFM Local 47


Music Performance Trust Fund

Everything you need to bring your community concert from an idea to a Grant-funded performance paid at union scale.

The Music Performance Trust Fund has been providing grants for free public live music events since 1948. Funds made available by MPTF sponsor performances for community events, outdoor park concerts, libraries, senior citizen centers and museums, as well as educational performances by a wide variety of jazz, classical, chamber, symphonic and other ensembles.

MPTF was established as a nonprofit independent public service organization whose mission includes contributing to the public knowledge and appreciation of music, as well as making music a part of every child's life experience. Headquartered in New York City, the tax-exempt MPTF, operating under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, evolved from a landmark collective bargaining agreement between the American Federation of Musicians and the major recording companies of the day.

Introducing the new MPTF Toolkit

AFM Local 47 members interested in applying for a grant should utilize the new MPTF Toolkit, available here. This toolkit contains everything you need from start to finish, including guidelines, links and helpful tips, and explanations of every step of the process.

If you have any questions, please contact our MPTF Administrator: 323.993.3156 or email here.

Guidelines for Receiving Funding

To Qualify for an MPTF Grant

✓ Music must be the sole reason for the event
Not a religious service, seminar, clinic, etc.

✓ The concert must be free and open to the public
No admission fee, no age restrictions or accessibility issues.

✓ There must be no donations solicited before, during or after the show
No passing the hat.

✓ There must be no recording (video or audio) of a performance

✓ Music must not be used for any fundraising activity no matter how worthwhile

✓ Once your paperwork is submitted, your concert personnel or location cannot change

Venues & Events to Avoid

✗ Bars or breweries with age restrictions or a cover charge - shows must be free and open to all ages!

✗ Clubs or member-only organizations that bar entry to the public

✗ Political rallies or charity events

We Encourage You to

♫ Offer any and all types of music from classical to rock to jazz to bluegrass

♫ Explore themes, have fun with the programming, and publicize your program

♫ Set up an ongoing concert series, and/or have concerts all year long

♫ Use MPTF funding in conjunction with other awards and grants