The Modern Marimba Micro Grant Program offers $250.00 grants each year on a first-come, first-served basis to K–12 students enrolled in a Sarasota County public school music program for percussion.

• Application period: Opens January 1, 2026 and closes March 1, 2026
• Frequency: Students and their families may apply once per year, per household
• Application: The form is short, simple, and easy to complete

Modern Marimba recognizes that, while our nonprofit programs—through grants, charity, and mutual aid—provide valuable support, they cannot replace systemic change or serve as a long-term solution to inequities in music education.

Eligibility

Modern Marimba is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of students from historically marginalized and under-resourced communities through youth music education. Any student enrolled in a K–12 Sarasota County public school percussion program is invited to apply. We proudly uplift and center the creativity of students who identify as part of the following historically marginalized groups:

• BIPOC
• LGBTQ2IA+
• People with disabilities
• People from working class and poor backgrounds
• Women

This grant is designed with flexibility in mind, because we understand that financial barriers to music participation extend far beyond instruments and lessons. Funds may be used for a wide variety of purposes, including (but not limited to):

• Mallets and percussion accessories
• Instrument purchase or rental
• Sheet music and music supplies
• Private lessons
• Band instrument rental fees
• FBA Solo & Ensemble fees for mallet solos/ensembles
• Recording equipment for practice, auditions, or creative projects
• Travel and hotel expenses for music opportunities
• Summer music programs, workshops, and camps

Recognizing that students and families may face broader economic challenges, this grant may also be applied toward essential living costs such as:

• Food and groceries
• Gas and transportation
• Rent or housing support
• Utilities and basic household expenses

By supporting both musical growth and basic needs, this grant ensures that all students have the opportunity to pursue their passion for music and thrive as whole people.

Definitions

Modern Marimba provides the following definitions to clarify our commitment to inclusion and foster a genuine sense of belonging within our community.

Anti-racism is the active practice of recognizing and opposing racism to promote racial equity.

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The term highlights the unique histories, experiences, and ongoing systemic inequities faced by Black and Indigenous communities while also acknowledging solidarity with all people of color.

Belonging is the support, connectedness, and community experience shared among peers and colleagues. It is built through intentional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that nurture a strong foundation for community.

Disability is a physical, mental, sensory, or cognitive condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or a condition that affects full participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Diversity encompasses social differences such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, ability, culture, politics, religion, marital status, and other group affiliations.

Equity means acknowledging and addressing the ongoing effects of systemic prejudice and discrimination that continue to harm Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities.

Inclusive practices involve active, intentional, and equitable engagement across a diverse community. By meaningfully embracing this diversity, we foster greater awareness and understanding of how individuals and small organizations interact with larger systems and institutions. Building these capacities not only helps address past injustices but also creates a foundation for equitable success at the local, national, and global levels.

LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the “+” represents other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that are not specifically listed. It affirms the spectrum of identities beyond heterosexual and cisgender norms.

Oppression is the systemic and prolonged exercise of power and privilege by one group over another, resulting in the denial of rights, unequal treatment, and restricted access to opportunities, resources, and social participation.

Poor are individuals or households who lack sufficient income or resources to meet basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, often living at or below the poverty line.

Social justice refers to fair treatment and respect for all, especially marginalized groups, and the equitable distribution of resources in areas such as healthcare, gender equality, reproductive rights, education, employment, and voting. It also calls for personal responsibility to work collaboratively toward peace and positive social change.

Women are adult human beings who identify as female, encompassing a diversity of biological, social, and gender identities. The term recognizes both the biological category of female and the social and cultural roles, experiences, and identities associated with womanhood.

Working class refers to people who earn a living primarily through wage labor, often in jobs that involve manual, industrial, or service work, rather than owning businesses or significant capital.