Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $400,000+ in Artist Gives grants alone
- Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
- Decision Time: Not applicable (invitation/nomination only)
- Grant Range: Varies by program
- Geographic Focus: National (with emphasis on Rhode Island for some programs)
Contact Details
- Website: https://newportfestivals.org/
- Phone: 978-768-7664
- Email: info@newportfestivals.org
- Address: Manchester, MA
Overview
Newport Festivals Foundation Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2010 to expand the impact of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals through year-round music education initiatives. With total revenue of $12.5 million (2024) and assets of $26.7 million, the foundation creates moments of hope through the power of music and community. Led by Executive Director Jay Sweet, the organization has evolved from festival production to a comprehensive music education nonprofit that celebrates its mission through two of the world's most famous music events while supporting music education programs nationwide.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Artist Gives Program: Since 2018, has provided 197+ grants totaling $414,787+ to music education nonprofits across 35+ states (artist nomination only - no public application)
Musician Relief Fund: Emergency financial assistance for musicians facing hardship including theft, natural disaster, or tour cancellation (application available online)
Instrument Donation Program: Places new and gently used instruments with deserving students nationwide, with 636+ instruments donated since 2019
Free Music Lessons: Provides free private lessons and instrument rentals to students ages 9-18 on Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island
Priority Areas
- Music education programs for underserved youth
- Emergency relief for working musicians
- Instrument access for students without means
- Jazz and folk music preservation and education
- Programs supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled musicians (through Rainey Day Fund partnership)
What They Don't Fund
- Programs outside of music education
- Individual artists (except through relief fund)
- For-profit organizations
- General operating support (focuses on specific programs)
Governance and Leadership
Executive Leadership:
- Jay Sweet, Executive Director: "We're not even a festival anymore, but a nonprofit organization focusing on music education, which celebrates that mission with two of the most famous music events in the world"
- Bruce Gordon, Chairman
- Nicholas Pell, Treasurer/Board Chair
Board includes: Tim Albinson, Patricia Blanchet, Paula Boggs, Dick Cashin, Nicole Bernard Dawes, Michael Dorf, Steven Gewirz, Vikas Kapoor, Roger Kass, Jessica Kausen, Patrick Kerins, Jim Lanzone, Anthony Lewis, Ronald MacKenzie, Ron McCray, Larry Miller, Ward Mooney, and William Vareika
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process for grants. Grants are distributed through:
- Artist Gives Program: Festival performers nominate music education organizations to receive grants
- Direct School Partnerships: Rhode Island schools can contact info@newportfestivals.org for instrument needs
- Musician Relief Fund: Online application at jotform.com for musicians facing hardship
- Free Music Lessons: Local students can register directly through the foundation
Getting on Their Radar
- For Music Education Organizations: Build relationships with artists performing at Newport Jazz or Folk Festivals who can nominate your organization for Artist Gives grants
- For Rhode Island Schools: Directly contact the foundation at info@newportfestivals.org to discuss instrument needs or partnership opportunities
- Festival Connections: The foundation specifically seeks to support organizations connected to their festival community and artists
- Partnership Approach: Organizations like MET East Bay High School have developed direct partnerships for programs like the Newport Festivals Music Lab
Decision Timeline
Not applicable for general grants (invitation/nomination only basis)
Success Rates
Not applicable (no public application process)
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable for general grants
Application Success Factors
Since there is no public application process, success depends on:
- Artist Relationships: Organizations recommended by Newport Festival performers receive Artist Gives grants
- Geographic Proximity: Rhode Island organizations have direct access to instrument donations and partnerships
- Mission Alignment: Programs must clearly support music education, particularly for underserved youth
- Festival Community: Being part of the broader Newport Festivals community increases visibility
- Program Impact: The foundation has supported programs like People's Music School (Chicago), Girls Rock Camp Alliance, and The Roots of Music (New Orleans) based on their demonstrated impact
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- No traditional grant application process - funding comes through artist nominations or direct partnerships
- Focus on building relationships with artists in the folk and jazz communities who perform at Newport Festivals
- Rhode Island-based organizations have the most direct access to programs and should contact the foundation directly
- The Musician Relief Fund is the only program with an open application process (for individual musicians, not organizations)
- Consider partnership opportunities rather than traditional grant requests
- Emphasize music education for underserved youth when approaching the foundation
- The foundation prioritizes programs that preserve jazz and folk traditions while fostering innovation
References
- Newport Festivals Foundation Official Website: https://newportfestivals.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Newport Festivals Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/274099544 (Accessed February 2026)
- Newport Festivals Foundation Our Work Page: https://newportfestivals.org/our-work (Accessed February 2026)
- Newport Festivals Foundation Our Team Page: https://newportfestivals.org/our-team (Accessed February 2026)
- Artist Gives Program Information: https://newportfestivals.org/artist-gives (Accessed February 2026)
- Musician Relief Fund: https://newportfestivals.org/musician-relief-fund (Accessed February 2026)
- Interview with Jay Sweet, What's Up Newp, February 2023: https://whatsupnewp.com/2023/02/wun-on-one-a-conversation-with-jay-sweet-and-dan-swain-newport-festivals-foundation/
- Relix Magazine Interview with Jay Sweet on Newport Festivals: https://relix.com/articles/detail/newport-folk-and-jazz-executive-producer-jay-sweet-on-pete-seegers-handbook-george-weins-legacy-and-creating-a-safe-space-for-artists/
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