A nonprofit founded in 1985, we support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions.

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Throughout the year, the Foundation works to administer various scholarships, awards, fellowships, and commissions. The final selections for these programs are entrusted to panels made up of some of the world's most distinguished artists and musicians. The focus of these programs is on American music; however, there are several opportunities open to international students.

The Foundation also awards grants annually to music and arts education nonprofits around the country. The Foundation's artistic consultants review and make recommendations for these awards, which range from classical music ensembles specializing in contemporary works, to programs supporting or replacing music and arts programming in our schools, to institutions designed to preserve and encourage indigenous American music such as jazz and blues.

Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. View the Foundation’s 990 Filing here.

Photo: Ebb & Flow Arts

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As music is a universal art without barriers, we resolve to lead with inclusive thinking and language in all our undertakings, striving toward the equitable distribution of resources and the creation of a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for all.

The BMI Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran in its programs and employment.

The Foundation is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive applicant process in our programs, grants, and in the review of all submissions. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The BMI Foundation collects and uses anonymous demographic information to track progress toward the equitable distribution of resources.

Our Leadership

Composed of various music publishing and entertainment executives and musicians, our leadership team provides creative and educational opportunities to emerging talent, established artists, and other nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to new American music.

  • Mike O'Neill

    HONORARY CHAIR

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  • Deirdre Chadwick

    PRESIDENT
    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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  • Samantha Cox

    VICE PRESIDENT
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  • Dan Coleman Photo

    Dan Coleman

    TREASURER
    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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  • Will Wells

    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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  • Clay Bradley

    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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  • Luciana Souza

    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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  • Pamela Williams

    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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  • Corey Field

    BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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Board of Advisors

David F Bills | Evelyn Buckstein | Anne Cecere | Pat Cook | Richard Garza

Artistic Consultants

Our distinguished artistic consultants are award-winning musicians and music industry executives, who work in collaboration with our staff to award our New Music Grants to music and arts nonprofit organizations throughout the country.

Robbin Ahrold | Martin Bandier | Caroline Bienstock | Paquito D’Rivera | Charles Fox | Lance Freed | Neil J. Gillis | Jeffrey L. Graubart | Aaron Jay Kernis | Cindy McTee | Nari Matsuura | Ralph Peer II | Mike Post | Joan Tower | Troy Tomlinson | Jenny Undercofler | W. G. Snuffy Walden | Maury Yeston | Nina Young | Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

Emeritus