Les Paul Foundation – Grants Program (Fall 2026)

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Supporting Innovation in Music Education, STEAM, and Hearing Health
📅 Application Deadline: September 15

The Les Paul Foundation offers competitive grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations advancing innovation in music education, music technology, and STEAM learning. The Foundation also considers proposals for medical research focused on curing tinnitus and other hearing impairment issues. All funded projects must incorporate and share Les Paul’s story, legacy, and spirit of innovation.

Organizations may submit one grant request per calendar year. This posting reflects the September 15 grant cycle.

Organization

Les Paul Foundation

Support Type

Charitable grants

Geographic Focus

United States

About the Funder

The Les Paul Foundation was established to honor the legacy of Les Paul—legendary musician, inventor, and innovator. Through its grantmaking, the Foundation supports forward-thinking programs that reflect Les Paul’s lifelong passion for creativity, experimentation, music education, and technological advancement. The Foundation prioritizes projects that inspire the next generation of musicians, engineers, and innovators, particularly those facing barriers to opportunity.

What This Program Supports

Funding consideration is given to programs and projects in the following areas:

🎵 Music Education & Innovation

Innovative music education programs
Recording, sound, and music technology initiatives
Projects that explore creativity through modern music-making tools

🧪 STEM / STEAM Education

Innovative STEM or STEAM programs
Programs serving students or learners in challenging or underserved situations
Interdisciplinary approaches that integrate music, science, engineering, and technology

🩺 Hearing Health & Medical Research

Medical research proposals focused on curing tinnitus
Research addressing hearing impairment and related conditions

Important Requirement:
All proposals must clearly describe how Les Paul’s story and contributions will be shared through the program, curriculum, exhibit, or research outreach.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be located in and operating programs within the United States
Be classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the IRS

Ineligible Requests

The Les Paul Foundation does not fund:

Individuals
Religious, political, labor, or business organizations
Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
Requests outside the Foundation’s stated focus areas
Multiple applications from the same organization in one calendar year

Funding Amounts

The Foundation does not publish standard award amounts. Grant sizes vary based on program alignment, innovation, and overall impact.

Timeline & Review

📅 Grant Deadline: September 15
📅 Decision Date: December 1
📌 Organizations may submit only one request per year
📌 Successful organizations receive checks after the decision date
📌 Please do not contact the Foundation regarding application status

Application Process

Applications must be completed using the most recent version of the Foundation’s application form.

Applicants should:

Download and complete the current application form
Address all required fields, including the organization budget
Save the completed form before submission
Email the completed application to: info@lespaulfoundation.org

⚠️ Applications submitted using outdated forms will not be considered.

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.les-paul.com/the-foundation/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This grant opportunity is well suited for organizations that:

Advance innovative music education or music technology
Integrate STEAM learning with creativity and invention
Address hearing health or tinnitus research
Serve students or communities facing systemic barriers
Can authentically connect their work to Les Paul’s legacy of innovation

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Competitive, cyclical
Deadline: September 15
Decision Date: December 1
Best Suited For: Music education nonprofits, STEAM programs, research institutions, and organizations blending creativity, technology, and access