We Are Moving The Needle MicroGrants
From that new plug-in or mic needed to complete your home studio to filling in the gaps to make that unpaid internship possible—sometimes you just need a fairy godmother. We Are Moving The Needle is here to help you close the gaps so you can pursue your dreams in audio.
Since 2021, We Are Moving The Needle has awarded over $525,000 in scholarships to women and non-binary creators to attend premier audio workshops and programs. Our new MicroGrants Program expands our impact by supporting students and recent graduates as you embark on the first chapter of your career.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners at Sweetwater, We Are Moving The Needle’s first round of MicroGrants runs from August 2, 2024 to August 25, 2024.
💡 What are We Are Moving The Needle’s MicroGrants?
We Are Moving The Needle’s MicroGrants series is specifically designed to be a flexible fund for rising seniors and recent college graduates that supports smooth transitions into the workforce. Grants will range from $500 to $1,000 to provide immediate assistance that can turn the impossible into the possible.
💡 What do We Are Moving The Needle’s MicroGrants support?
Ranging from $500 to $1,000, these MicroGrants are here to “close the gap” on career development needs. Possible uses include (but are not limited to):
Purchase of studio gear or software for completion of a project or build-out of new home studio;
Gap support of travel expenses or cost-of-living for an unpaid internship;
Studio rental time;
Attendance fees or travel expenses for a professional development workshop or educational opportunity (must be outside of We Are Moving The Needle’s existing scholarship offerings).
Applicants will be asked to provide a clear explanation of the need for grant funds and how this will advance your career in audio. Successful applicants will have a clearly defined set of goals which this funding can tangibly “close the gap” to help make possible.
In general, the following items are not considered eligible for MicroGrants funding:
General rent or living expenses;
Supplementary income for a paid internship or job;
Marketing, promoting, or associated costs to make and distribute an EP or album;
Catering, sponsorship, or costs associated with hosting of an event;
Tuition, fees, student loans, or associated expenses for completing undergraduate or graduate degrees or other educational programs supported by We Are Moving The Needle’s Scholarship Program.
💡 Who is eligible to receive a We Are Moving The Needle MicroGrant?
In alignment with We Are Moving The Needle’s mission to advance gender equity in the music industry, the MicroGrants Program provides targeted support for women, trans, and non-binary audio professionals.
All applicants must be a rising senior, recent graduate (≤1 year) of a college or university, or early-career professional of equivalent experience.
Must be enrolled in an audio engineering, sound technology, audio production or similar program OR have clearly demonstrated commitment to a career in audio production or engineering.
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent U.S. residency status.
💡 Are these grants subject to income taxes?
Yes, due to the nature of these MicroGrants all individual awardees will receive a 1099 income form by the end of the tax year.
Applicants should aim to write between 250 and 500 words for each application question.