The IBMA Foundation established the Arnold Shultz Fund in 2020 to support activities increasing the participation of people of color in bluegrass music. Arnold Shultz (1886–1931) was an African American musician from western Kentucky who had a profound influence on Bill Monroe and the development of bluegrass.
Shultz Fund Project Grants: Arnold Shultz Fund project grants are awarded every year in the spring, usually announced April 1. Apply for the 2023 round of Arnold Shultz Fund grants. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2023. Contact Nancy Cardwell at info@bluegrassfoundation.org with your questions.
Shultz Fund Individual Grants: The Arnold Shultz Fund has a limited amount of funds to support bluegrass-related activities of individual persons of color. Those applications are received throughout the year by the IBMA Foundation’s executive director and can take the form of a letter or email explaining the activity, amount requested, and address, email, and phone contact information for the applicant. Email your letter to info@bluegrassfoundation.org.
The IBMA Foundation is affiliated with the International Bluegrass Music Association. The Northern California Bluegrass Society is a longtime organizational member of the IBMA. NCBS Past President Michael Hall serves on the IBMA Foundation Board of Directors.