After a week of fun at Autism camp for Lyndie, and camping with the family for Andrea, we are ready to kick it into high gear and start brainstorming (and singing!) new ways to make music therapy more accessible to the community. Great news…the sunshine and good company have paid off! In an effort to continue advocating for music therapy and providing services for a variety of populations, we are devoting July to exploring and writing grants!

This month, Andrea and I will be focusing on grant opportunities for the upcoming year. This spring we had the privilege of receiving grants through Arts for Academic Achievement and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. These funds allowed us to provide group music therapy in ESCE and MHC classrooms in the Minneapolis Public Schools, as well as developmental music classes during Ramsey County Library reading hours.

In addition to these larger grants, there are also waivers and grants through the county that can be used to cover ongoing, individual music therapy services. Examples could include Consumer Support Grants, Family Support Grants, Developmental Disability Waivers, Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals Waiver, and Elderly Waivers. If you are interested in receiving a grant for an individual or group session, please leave us a comment and we will help locate and develop a plan for potential grant options with you!

Here is a link to the Minnesota Department of Human Services webpage with more information on grants and waivers!