The Foundation
The Les Paul Foundation inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through support of music education, recording, innovation and medical research related to hearing. It’s also a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the Wizard of Waukesha.
About
Mission Statement
The Les Paul Foundation inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through support of music education, recording, innovation, exhibits about Les Paul and medical research related to hearing.
Donate Online
Your online donation will be securely processed through Paypal. You can pay with any major credit card or with your Paypal account. You can also support the Les Paul Foundation by shopping at our Les Paul Online Store.
The Les Paul Foundation
- Awards grants to programs and projects that encourage innovation in music production and/or performance and to innovative STEM and STEAM programs for students and others in challenging situations
- Provides grants for medical research related to curing tinnitus and hearing impairment issues.
- Inspires the public through support of public exhibits presenting Les Paul’s life and achievements
Determined to perpetuate support to the areas on which he focused his life, Les Paul created his foundation.
Proceeds from sales of merchandise in our webstore benefit the work of the Foundation.
Education Resources
Learn more about the Foundation’s Education resources including standard-based study units, videos, activities, posters and more for elementary, seondary and collegiate.
grants
Grant Guidelines
Organizations must be located and operating programs in the United States and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as public charities and tax- exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The foundation does not support religious, political, labor or business organizations. No grants are awarded to individuals. Funding consideration is given to programs and projects that encourage innovation in music production and/or performance and to innovative STEM or STEAM programs for students and others in challenging situations.
Proposals for medical research related to curing tinnitus and other hearing impairment issues are considered. Other types of funding is by invitation only. All organizations must describe how Les Paul’s story will be shared. Successful organizations will receive checks after the decision date. Please do not contact.
Application and Decision Schedule:
| Grant Cycle | Grant Deadline | Decision Date |
| 1 | January 15 | April 1 |
| 2 | September 15 | December 1 |
- Organizations may only file one grant request per calendar year.
- Please make sure that you have the most recent version of Acrobat Reader.
- Complete application form. We occasionally update our application form. The most recent form must be used. If a prior version of the form is submitted the application will not be considered for funding.
- Review to confirm you’ve addressed all fields, including your Organization Budget.
- Don’t forget to save once you’ve completed it, then attach to an email and send to: info@lespaulfoundation.org
- Print it if you want a hard copy.
- Successful organizations will receive checks after the decision date. Please do not contact.
FAQs about Grants from the Les Paul Foundation
Please carefully review information below to assure your proposal aligns with the Les Paul Foundation’s priorities.
DON'T USE, DON'T TOUCH
What are the priorities for grants from the LES PAUL FOUNDATION?
- Programs and projects that align with the Les Paul Foundation mission: The Les Paul Foundation inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through support of music education, recording, innovation and medical research related to hearing.
- Inspire students/audience by sharing Les Paul’s story in an innovative and effective way. The foundation’s name in a program or on a plaque is not sufficient. Relay how you will share Les’ story.
- Demonstrate funding from sources beyond the Les Paul Foundation.
- Begin relationship with the Foundation with realistic a funding request.
- Personnel, timeline and budget should be consistent with project/program.
What types of organizations receive funding?
- Music education organizations and schools including public schools
- Music Recording and Music Industry education programs
- STEM/STEAM programs that emphasize innovation and align with Les Paul’s work
- After school science and music programs that align with Les Paul’s work
- Museum exhibits about Les Paul with collaboration with Foundation
Are there geographic restrictions?
Yes, grants are awarded to 501(c)3 organizations and schools within the United States.
Are funding requests accepted for existing projects?
Yes, if they align with above priorities.
Does the Foundation provide funding for capital campaigns?
Yes, if they align with above priorities.
Does the Foundation provide general operating grants?
The Foundation provides funding for programs and projects that align with above priorities.
Does the Foundation provide multi-year grants?
Grant proposals must be submitted annually.
Does the Foundation sponsor special events?
Funding for special events must align with the Foundation’s priorities and requirements.
Do I need to answer all questions on the form?
Definitely. Missing information will preclude consideration of your request.
Does the Foundation provide funding to individuals?
No, funding is for projects and programs that serve groups of people.
What is the typical amount given for a first time grant?
First time grants typically are $1,500 to $2,000, but there are no fixed amounts.
Will the Foundation award grants to fiscal sponsors on behalf of applicants who are not 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations?
No.
What is required in the final report for receiving a grant?
Within one year of receiving funding, submit a report describing specifically how Les Paul’s story was shared with your students/audience. Include photos, videos and/or audio. Reports must be filed prior to any subsequent request for funding to be considered. Submitted materials may be used on Les Paul Foundation’s social media platforms. Send your report to info@lespaulfoundation.org.
grantEEs
A Child’s Song, CO
ACCEL, AZ
After School All Stars, DC
Algiers Charter School Association, LA
Amelia Park Children’s Museum, MA
Austin Achieves Public Schools, TX
Bangtown Studio to Go, MI
Benchmark School, AZ
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, TX
Broadway for Arts Education, NY
Broward Education/Silver Lakes Middle School, MI
Build, Incorporated, IL
Building Youth Through Music, WA
Cab Calloway School Fund, DE
Christina Cultural Arts Center, DE
Ciji Kristine Foundation, CA
Conservatory Lab Charter School, MA
Country Music Foundation, TN
DC Jazz, DC
Desert Sounds Performing Arts, AZ
Dynamo Studios, TN
Education Through Music, NY
Elaine Kaufman Cultural Center, Lucy Moses School, NY
Eleanor Roosevelt High School, MD
Exploring the Arts, NY
Foundation for Portland Schools, ME
Gaillard Management Corp, SC
Greater Milwaukee El Sistema, WI
Hear Your Song, NY
Horizons Atlanta, GA
Institute of Music for Children, NJ
Lawrence Hall, IL
Louisville Academy of Music, Inc., KY
Louisville Public Media, KY
Maya Angelou Public Charter School, DC
Mobile Symphony, Inc., AL
Montclair State University Foundation, NJ
Music on the Inside, NY
MusicBreeds, NY
Nantucket Community Music Center, MA
National Blues Museum, MO
New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy, LA
Public Broadcasting of NW PA, PA
Riverwest Artists Association, WI
Rock & Soul Forever Foundation, NY
Rock to the Future, PA
Sasha Bruce Youthwork, DC
School for the Arts Foundation, FL
Sheldon Arts Foundation, MO
The Eco-Collective Farm School, FL
The Home Team, FL
The Lincoln Academy, WI
The Musical Arts Institute, IL
The Texas Supremacy of Music & Arts, TX
The University of Florida Foundation, FL
The Virgin Mary Foundation, FL
Tiffin University, OH
UCAN, IL
Urban Gateway, IL
University of Memphis, TN
Walla Walla Symphony Society, WA
White Hall Arts Academy, CA
Wisconsin Independent Learning College, WI
Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, NY
World Changers School of the Arts, IN
Washington State University Vancouver, WA
Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, MS
Young Musicians Foundation, CA
Youth & Family Services, SD
Exhibits
The Les Paul exhibit at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Les Paul exhibit is a focal point of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Garage Gear area. Les’ innovations in the recording studio and pioneering work with the solid-body electric guitar are highlighted.
Les Paul’s House of Sound at Discovery World
Les Paul’s House of Sound at the Discovery World, is an interactive experience that showcases the innovative and creative spirit of Les Paul. The exhibit features one-of-a-kind artifacts including Les’ “bible” guitar, one of his “klunker” guitars, and recording equipment along with the ever-popular Les Paul’s Big Sound Experience. Discovery World Page
Waukesha County Museum
Waukesha County Museum is one of the best locations in the world to present this tribute to Les Paul, the Wizard of Waukesha. See Les’ personal guitars, tribute jackets, recording equipment, trophies, awards, and much more! Enjoy viewing Les perform throughout his career, including several clips with Mary Ford. Play examples of his guitar inventions, and even touch Les Paul’s handprints! Museum Page
Les Paul Exhibit in Mahwah Museum
The Les Paul exhibit in the Mahwah Museum. The Les Paul in Mahwah exhibit showcases many of Les’ innovations in solid body electric guitar design and multi-track sound recording. Les called Mahwah home for nearly 60 years. Mahwah Museum Page
Grammy Museum, Newark
The GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center offers guests a chance to experience music and the GRAMMYs. Exhibits allow guests to get hands-on and learn, while also exploring what it takes to become a GRAMMY winner. Visit the Grammy Museum – Newark, NJ.
Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
MIM began with a vision to create a musical instrument museum that would be truly global. Realizing most musical museums featured historic, primarily Western classical instruments, MIM’s founder Bob Ulrich (then CEO of Target Corporation) was inspired to develop a new kind of museum that would focus on the kind of instruments played every day by people worldwide. Visit the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix.