On this page: MPTF Grant Application, Newsletter Submission Form
What is MPTF?
The Music Performance Trust Fund brings free, live, professional music programs to communities through a variety of means including large-scale festivals and park concerts; educational activities, teacher training and assemblies in schools; intimate assisted living facility and senior centre events; and more. Events are presented in partnership with a number of national and local arts and arts education providers, local charities, and municipalities. Our aim is to increase access to quality musical experiences for public school students, older adults, and those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend professional music performances.
Musicians are paid fair wages that are at the current minimum scale per hour plus 10% pension.
Most MPTF performances require a sponsor to support the performance at 50%. Some performances are sponsored at 100% during Women’s History Month, Black History Month, Jazz Appreciation Month, Emancipation Day, and Juneteenth (USA). Educational performances are also sponsored at 100%.
For more general information, please visit the MPTF Website: https://musicpf.org
Apply For An MPTF Grant
To apply for an MPTF Grant, fill out this online form. For best results, open using the Google Chrome browser. Also see these step-by-step instructions below.
Please fill out the form completely, as missing information may deem your application to be ineligible. We need at least one month of lead time to process your application. Ideally, 3 months of lead time is best.
Once UPM 518 has your complete application, we apply for the grant to the New York Office on your behalf. It’s not guaranteed that the New York Office will approve your application.
Thank you for your interest in MPTF and good luck!
How to Access MPTF Funding as a Band Leader or Musician
Many union members are interested in learning how to access MPTF funding opportunities. Historically, members who have submitted applications for eligible events have successfully received funding. If you’re wondering where to begin, here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply for your next MPTF-sponsored event:
1. Find a Venue
Approach a venue in your area to see if they are willing to host an MPTF-sponsored event. MPTF funds cannot be used to rent performance spaces, so venues typically agree to host events at no charge.
2. Secure a Date and Time
Once the venue agrees, confirm a date and time for the event.
3. Discuss Co-Sponsorship
Speak with the venue about the possibility of co-sponsoring the event. Ideally, the venue would contribute 50% of the musicians’ fees and eligible expenses. If full co-sponsorship is not possible, try to secure partial financial support.
4. Submit an MPTF Funding Application
After securing both the venue and co-funding, apply for the MPTF grant. Applications should be submitted at least 2–3 months prior to the event date.
5. Complete the Application Form
As the band leader and/or solo musician, you will be responsible for completing the application form. This includes providing UPM membership numbers for all participating musicians.
If any musicians are not union members, they will need to provide their SIN directly to the Local 518 office for processing purposes.
6. Application Review and Approval
Once your online application has been completed, the Local 518 office will submit the application on your behalf. The office will contact you once approval has been received from the MPTF head office in New York City.
7. Promote Your Event
Band leaders are responsible for advertising and promoting their events. Be sure to create posters and social media materials that include the official logos of both the MPTF and Local 518.
Submit An Article to the Newsletter
We’d love to hear about any news you may have that would interest our members. The next submission deadline for the next newsletter is August 28, 2026. Please submit your news to this form below: