Music Matters Fund Incorporated

Open & Accessible
Private Foundation
SANTA BARBARA, CaliforniaMediumEIN: 851467296
Arts and Culture NonprofitsMusic Nonprofits

Music Matters Fund Inc. appears to operate as Live Music Society, a private grantmaking foundation that supports small live-music venues and listening rooms in the U.S. The site describes grant programs (Music in Action and Toolbox grants), lists recent grantees, and names executive staff.

Source: Website · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

A small or mid-sized live-music venue or listening room (including for-profit venue entities) seeking project support in the $10k–$50k range and able to provide multi-year financial documentation.

Good Fit

  • Operates an active small live-music venue or listening room.
  • Asks for project support within the $10,000–$50,000 band.
  • Can supply three years of financial statements and tax returns.
  • Has clear plans for sustaining or restarting live programming.
  • Is based in the U.S. (applicants have been funded across many states).

Geography

Broad

Observed giving is national in scope: recent grants reached organizations in 26 states and about 82% of dollars went outside the foundation's home state, though California received a meaningful share (about 18%).

Recipient Variety

Broad

The latest year shows 59 distinct grantees and historically the foundation funds roughly 48–60 recipients annually, with a mix of venue operators (including many for-profit entities), indicating a broad recipient set for its program size.

New Applicants

Broad

Direct evidence of openness is strong: the foundation publishes an online application process and the recent years show very high rates of new grantees (about 54 of 59 in the latest year), so unfamiliar venues have a demonstrable path into the portfolio.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026