Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $425,725 (2024)
Grant Range: $1,000+ (individual scholarships)
Geographic Focus: Massachusetts (primary), potentially broader
Total Assets: $17.1 million
Application Method: Online rolling application
Decision Time: Not publicly specified

Contact Details

Address: 106 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180

Email: burnstinetrust@gmail.com

Phone: 617.242.8383

Website: https://burnstine.org

Application Portal: https://form.jotform.com/241933070758056

Trustees: Alice Klein and James Keane

Overview

The Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust was established following the death of Murray Burnstine in June 2023. Burnstine, born in Detroit in 1929, was a mechanical engineer with degrees from Wayne University who contributed to automobile safety research at Harvard University and MIT. However, his true passion was music—he was an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist who performed in orchestras and bands throughout the Metro-Boston area. The Trust was granted tax-exempt status by the IRS in March 2024 and holds assets of approximately $17.1 million with annual grantmaking of over $425,000. The organization's mission is clear and focused: helping aspiring musicians reach their full potential through the "Burnstine Scholars" program, providing scholarships to music students at all educational levels and supporting instrument rental and other necessary educational expenses.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Burnstine Scholars Program - Renewable scholarships for music students

Open to high school, college, and post-graduate music students
Individual scholarship amounts vary; recent institutional grants show $1,000 per student
Renewable for subsequent years of music education
Funds can cover tuition, instrument rental, equipment purchases, and related educational expenses
Application method: Online rolling application through JotForm portal

Institutional Partnerships

Salem State University: $150,000 award (November 2025) providing $1,000 grants to all music majors
Bunker Hill Community College: Ongoing support for music program and students
Likely other Massachusetts institutions (details not publicly specified)

Priority Areas

Music education at all levels (high school through post-graduate)
Instrument acquisition and rental
Essential equipment for music students (microphones, accessories, etc.)
Educational opportunities in teaching, performance, and composition
Financial assistance for students with financial need pursuing music

What They Don't Fund

Non-music related programs
The Trust specifically serves music students; exclusions beyond this are not publicly documented
No discrimination based on race, color, sex, ethnic origin, or disabilities

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

James Keane - Trustee

Quote: "Murray believed that music should be within reach for any student with the desire to learn."

Alice Klein - Trustee

The Trust operates as a private foundation and was created to honor Murray Burnstine's legacy and belief that young musicians should have opportunities to pursue their passion regardless of financial circumstances.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Trust's online portal at https://form.jotform.com/241933070758056.

Application Requirements:

Complete online application form
Provide one-page description of music education goals
Specify area of musical interest (e.g., teaching, performance, composition)

Eligibility:

Students enrolled in music programs at high school, college, or post-graduate level
No discrimination based on race, color, sex, ethnic origin, or disabilities
Open to students who need financial support for music education

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. The Trust operates on a rolling application basis, suggesting applications may be reviewed as they are received rather than in fixed cycles.

Success Rates

Success rates and application volume are not publicly disclosed. The Trust distributed $425,725 in grants in 2024, suggesting significant capacity to support music students.

Reapplication Policy

Scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of music education, indicating that recipients can apply for continued support throughout their educational journey. Specific reapplication procedures are not publicly detailed but can be obtained by contacting the Trust.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Murray's Vision: The Trust was created by someone who "always worked as a mechanical engineer" but whose "real love was music and musicians." Applications that demonstrate genuine passion for music and commitment to developing musical skills align with the founder's values.

Clear Educational Goals: The application requires a one-page description of music education goals. Be specific about:

Your area of musical interest (teaching, performance, composition, etc.)
How the scholarship will support your continued musical studies
Your commitment to pursuing music education

Financial Need: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, trustee James Keane's statement emphasizes making music education accessible to "any student with the desire to learn," suggesting the Trust values supporting students who might otherwise face financial barriers.

Equipment and Instrument Needs: The Trust specifically funds "instrument rental and other expenses reasonably necessary for their continued studies." Applications that clearly articulate needs for instruments, equipment, or essential materials may be particularly compelling.

Demonstrable Commitment: As a renewable scholarship, the Trust invests in students over multiple years. Showing sustained commitment to music education and a track record of serious study strengthens applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Accessible and Straightforward Process: The online application is simple and requires only a one-page description of goals—focus on clarity and genuine passion rather than elaborate proposals
Renewable Funding Available: This is not a one-time scholarship; successful applicants can receive support throughout their educational journey
Broad Eligibility: The Trust supports students at all levels from high school through post-graduate programs, making it accessible to a wide range of music students
Equipment Support: Beyond tuition, the Trust explicitly funds instruments and equipment—don't hesitate to include these needs in your application
Rolling Applications: No fixed deadlines mean you can apply when you're ready, though earlier application may be advantageous
Strong Financial Position: With over $17 million in assets and $425,000+ in annual giving, this is a well-funded Trust with significant capacity to support students
New Organization: Established in 2024, the Trust is relatively new and may still be developing its grantmaking patterns and relationships

References

Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust official website - https://burnstine.org - Accessed January 2026
Cause IQ - The Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust financial data - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/murray-burnstine-charitable-trust,990787524/ - Accessed January 2026
PR Newswire - "Gift to Salem State's Music and Dance Department Creates 'Burnstine Scholars'" - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gift-to-salem-states-music-and-dance-department-creates-burnstine-scholars-302624629.html - November 2025
Gately Funeral Home - Murray Burnstine Obituary - https://www.gatelyfh.com/obituaries/Murray-Burnstine?obId=28130800 - June 2023
Bunker Hill Community College - Foundation News - https://www.bhcc.edu/foundation/foundationnews/ - Accessed January 2026