The Elfriede Chapin Fund has been established to award a monetary grant annually to one NYSMTA member. The recipient will use the grant to work on a special project that will benefit member teachers and contribute new research or knowledge to the music teaching profession.

Award Amount
$250

Eligibility

• Must be a NYSMTA member in good standing, including collegiate members
• Members may apply more than once
• Applicants of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply

Use of the Grant
The grant may be used for any project the applicant finds meaningful and beneficial to music teachers. Projects may include — but are not limited to — research, curriculum development, pedagogical exploration, or any topic of interest to the member and the broader teaching community.

Sharing Your Findings
Upon completion, the recipient is expected to share their findings with the NYSMTA membership through at least one of the following:

• An article in the NYSMTA Newsletter
• A lightning talk, presentation, or essay at the NYSMTA State Conference or MTNA National Conference

Application Deadline
September 1, 2026

How to Apply
Complete the online application form. For questions, contact the Chapin Fund Chair.

Completed applications must be submitted by September 1, 2027.

Review Process
Applications will be reviewed within one month of the deadline. The recipient will be notified and funds will be distributed by October 1, 2027.

Chapin Fund Committee
Brian Preston, Chair bmp@rochester.rr.com

The NYSMTA District Grant provides financial support to Local Associations for projects and events that benefit music teachers and students across New York State.

Award Amount
Up to $1,500 total is available annually. The Grants Committee has discretion to award the full amount to one district or distribute funds among multiple districts based on the merit and need of applications received.

Eligibility

• Local NYSMTA Associations in good standing and operating in accordance with their own Bylaws
• Applications are submitted by the Local Association Chair on behalf of the district

Use of the Grant
Funds may be used to support local projects, events, or initiatives that directly benefit Local and State membership.

Application Deadline
July 15, 2027

The Local Association Chair completes and submits the form on behalf of the district. 

Fund Allocation
Recipients will be notified and funds distributed by October 1, 2027, allowing time for winter and spring events.

Review Process
The Grants Committee will review all applications and make recommendations to the Executive Board, which gives final approval. Applicants may be asked to present their proposal at an Executive Board meeting.

The NYSMTA NCTM Certification Grant encourages members to pursue and achieve national certification through the MTNA’s Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) program. This grant recognizes the commitment to professional excellence that certification represents.

Purpose
To provide financial support to NYSMTA members who have successfully completed the MTNA NCTM certification process.

$100

Eligibility

• Must be a NYSMTA member in good standing
• Must have completed the MTNA NCTM certification process
• Members certified through the Administrative Verification pathway are not eligible

How to Claim the Grant

1. Complete the MTNA NCTM certification process
2. Submit your certificate of completion to the Certification VP, Jiyong Mai, within 6 months of the certification date
3. Upon verification, the NYSMTA Treasurer, Gary Palmer, will distribute the grant funds to the recipient

Grant Chair
Jiyong Mai, Certification VP  kim@fredonia.edu