Levitt Foundation Unveils 66 Grant Awardees Nationwide
The Levitt Foundation, a prominent entity in the realm of social impact funding, has made an impressive announcement regarding its Levitt Music Series grants. This year marks a significant milestone as the foundation has selected 66 communities across the country to receive substantial multi-year grants, with each community receiving up to $120,000. These grants are aimed at revitalizing underused public spaces and fostering community connections through the vibrant force of free, live music events scheduled for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
A Commitment to Community through Music
This initiative by the Levitt Foundation is not only about funding; it’s a commitment to enhancing community life. Through these grants, the foundation empowers neighborhoods by hosting a series of 7 to 10 free concerts annually. This model transforms public spaces into hubs of joy and inclusivity. Communities across the nation can look forward to a diverse lineup of performances that celebrate both local and national talent.
“For over a decade, we have observed firsthand how outdoor concerts bring together individuals from different backgrounds and foster community ties,” stated Sharon Yazowski, the President and CEO of the Levitt Foundation. She expressed her enthusiasm for the ongoing partnerships with states like Tennessee and Mississippi, which have been pivotal in enhancing the reach of these musical initiatives.
Strengthening Community Ties in Tennessee and Mississippi
A noteworthy aspect of this grant cycle is the establishment of partnerships with state agencies in Tennessee and Mississippi. This represents a fresh approach to community engagement, enabling these states to benefit from additional multi-year matching grants. For instance, Tennessee will see the introduction of six worthy communities receiving funding, which will allow them to present up to 180 free concerts spread over three years.
“Tennessee is a vibrant landscape for creativity, and we aim to harness this spirit to stimulate local economic growth and tourism through these concerts,” commented Stuart C. McWhorter, Deputy Governor of Tennessee.
Similarly, in Mississippi, the collaboration with the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) aims to enrich community life. Two communities will receive grants to create public art installations along with hosting a series of free concerts, showcasing the rich musical heritage of this iconic state.
Celebrating New Grantees for 2026-2028
The list of grant recipients reflects a broad spectrum of communities, from small towns to large urban centers, including places like Bath, Maine, and Austin, Texas. Each selected grantee embodies the essence of diverse cultural representation through music, enhancing local engagement and exciting new opportunities for artists.
List of New 2026–2028 Levitt Music Series Grantees:
- Alachua, FL - Josh's Place
- Austin, TX - The Long Center for the Performing Arts
- Bath, ME - Chocolate Church Arts Center
- Buffalo, NY - Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy
- Caguas, PR - Bellas Artes Caguas
- Columbia, SC - Koger Center for the Arts
- Dothan, AL - Art in Public Places
- Jackson, MS - Downtown Jackson Partners
- Manchester, NH - City Year New Hampshire
- Miami, FL - Friends of The Underline
- Minot, ND - Local Motives
- Montgomery, AL - The King's Canvas Gallery and Studio
- Oceanside, CA - Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation
- Parkston, SD - Parkston Commercial Club
- Pasadena, CA - Pasadena Recreation and Parks Foundation
- Scandia, MN - Scandia Heritage Alliance
- Shreveport, LA - Shreveport Regional Arts Council
- St. Louis, MO - Delmar Main Street Initiative
- Statesville, NC - Iredell Statesville Community Enrichment Corporation
- Tallahassee, FL - Council on Culture & Arts
- Toledo, OH - ConnecToledo
- Truth or Consequences, NM - MainStreet Truth or Consequences
- Tulsa, OK - Historic Greenwood District Main Street
- Twentynine Palms, CA - Basin Wide Foundation
- Wichita, KS - Exploration Place
- Wooster, OH - Wayne Center for the Arts
About the Levitt Foundation
The Levitt Foundation is committed to enhancing community vitality across America by fostering an environment where communities can gather and connect through the universal language of music. By activating public spaces with free outdoor concerts, the foundation plays a critical role in promoting social connections and economic opportunities, ensuring that music remains an inclusive and enriching part of community life. This transformative initiative aims to support venues and organizations that prioritize arts and culture, thereby stimulating artistic ecosystems across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Levitt Music Series?
The Levitt Music Series is an initiative by the Levitt Foundation providing grants to communities to host free outdoor concerts, enhancing public spaces and community engagement.
How many communities received grants this year?
This year, the Levitt Foundation awarded grants to a record 66 communities nationwide, signifying its biggest cohort in history.
What will the grants be used for?
The grants will fund multi-year matching programs that support the execution of free outdoor concerts, aimed at bringing communities together through music.
Who are the new grantees for 2026-2028?
The new grantees include a diverse array of organizations from various communities, each bringing cultural vibrancy to their local music scenes.
What impact does music have on communities?
Music serves as a powerful tool for bringing people together, fostering social connections, and enhancing the cultural landscape of communities.
