Supporting Memberships

Jazz Arts Project is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization based in the state of New Jersey. As part of a founding philosophy, the “Project” believes that the jazz arts are a valuable national treasure to be nurtured and preserved. Since its inaugural season in 2006, Jazz Arts Project has endeavored to remain true to these goals: To bring world-­class jazz to New Jersey regional audiences; To preserve the history and foster the development of jazz; To increase public awareness and appreciation of jazz as an American national treasure; and To provide unique, transformative educational experiences for students to develop their abilities and to instill an appreciation and further understanding of music. As an organization, we are extremely proud to have presented hundreds of successful concert events within our community over more than 16 years. With outreach efforts and other endeavors, we have provided countless hours of enrichment and joy to tens of thousands of music lovers and students throughout the region. One of the interesting things about our programs is that we engage many of the professional musicians as role models, mentors, coaches and teaching artists for our educational programs which includes our year-round Jazz Arts Academy jazz training program for high school age students and our head-start style Middle School Summer Music Camps and enrichment programs serving many at-risk and underserved youth. This organization has repeatedly demonstrated the integrity of its commitment to maintain the highest achievements in artistic quality with an unflinching belief that music, and jazz in particular, reflects a unique and distinctly American contribution to the world. It is in that vein, and because we believe that the quality of human life is reflected in its respect for the arts and its creators, that our philosophy of making jazz music available and accessible to a broad audience at affordable prices enhances the lives of both listener and musician. It is in that shared experience that we come to know and understand each other's humanity. With this regranting program, it is Jazz Arts Project’s intention to play a role in supporting and encouraging those artists who reflect our humanity and help us to enhance the cultural landscape of our communities. Artistic Director & Founder: Joe Muccioli

The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund was established to ensure the survival and strength of the state’s arts, arts education, cultural and historical sector during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund is a public-private partnership, capitalizing on the resources and expertise available through the government, corporate and private philanthropic sectors. Strategic alignment of these partners ensures a coordinated approach to sector support at all levels, ongoing dialogue with the field and stakeholders, and a true commitment to transparency and best practices in grantmaking. The Arts and Culture Renewal Fund (originally called the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund) was created by a coalition of funders to raise and direct much needed support to the nonprofit arts and cultural sector statewide. The fund was established with a lead gift from the Grunin Foundation and is hosted by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Coalition leadership also includes the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Prudential Financial Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, New Jersey Historical Commission, and Stone Foundation of NJ. Ongoing communication with leaders in government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector has created a cooperative network of public and private support and ensures the Fund’s alignment with the sector as needs change and evolve. Jazz Arts Project is proud to have been chosen as a regranting agency for the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation (NJACRF) in order to provide direct relief to musicians.

We know that COVID-19 and the subsequent industry disruptions have impacted New Jersey's jazz artists in so many ways. Thousands of arts & culture sector workers have sustained catastrophic financial losses that threaten irreparable damage. We also know that the effect of these disruptions is a long lasting and continuing problem for many musicians and their families. These grants are designed to aid in recovery and renewal so individuals may continue to engage and delight our communities with the inspiring music and educational programs that we may have taken for granted before the pandemic began in 2020.

You must be a professional musician with a focus on performing Jazz music and you must live in the state of New Jersey to receive this grant through Jazz Arts Project. You must be 21 years of age or older and must not have been a matriculated full time student in a college or university program during or 2022 or 2023. You must demonstrate that you have had canceled or postponed performances, tours during the pandemic, and that you are actively rebuilding and renewing a commitment to the art form.

In this round of grants, we anticipate that each grant award will be $1000. An application is not a guarantee to receive funds from this grant and depending on continuing circumstances it may or may not be for the full amount requested. Only 20 grants will be given out this year.

Recommendations will be made by a steering committee comprised of a coalition of board members and stakeholders galvanized around the fund’s mission to ensure the survival and strength of the arts and culture sector now and into the future. Ultimate decisions will be guided by an independent review panel of arts administrators, industry professionals and business leaders. Recipients will be notified of their awarded amount and will receive a check for the funds within a few weeks of the announcement. The announcement is anticipate to be near the middle of December 2023.

No, there aren't any restrictions at all. These funds may be used for any variety of reasons, such as health care, personal expenses, child care, home improvement, study, lessons, instrument repair or purchase and more. Whatever purpose you decide, is perfectly ok. This is to help repair the difficulties you had or continue to have for circumstances that are outside of your control and to pave the way for a more prosperous future in the arts.

Yes of course, Please let us know the circumstances and explain the issues and all information about the recipient in the narrative sections.