Whether it is beat-making and DJ programs, Métis fiddling, recording studios, or traditional Indigenous drumming, educators are reimagining what is possible in music class. The MusiCounts Slaight Family Foundation Innovation Fund takes this transformative thinking from dream to reality by providing schools with up to $20,000 to sustain or implement these innovative approaches to music education.

• The MusiCounts Slaight Family Foundation Innovation Fund celebrates pushing the limits of the music classroom. Funds from this program may be used to support culturally-relevant and/or technology-forward approaches to music education through the purchase of instruments, equipment, and resources, as well as the compensation of specialist external clinicians to work with students at the school.
• Any school in Canada is welcome to apply to support an existing music program, or a music program that doesn’t exist yet.
• New this year: through the Intake Form, MusiCounts may identify applicants who have a strong vision for a new music program but need support turning that vision into a clear plan. Some successful applicants may receive grant funding alongside expert mentorship to help shape, resource, and implement their program.
• Teachers, administrators and/or school support staff may prepare a grant application on behalf of their school.

Applications will be accepted until December 3, 2026. Applications received in full by October 30, 2026 will be entered for a chance to receive one of four Long & McQuade gift certificates, each valued at $250.

Click here to access the Intake Form.

• Download the Program Guidelines
• Add the application deadline reminder to your calendar
• Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page to understand which MusiCounts School Music funding program is right for you

Educators are increasingly seeking support for music programming that is responsive to changing student needs & interests, and looks & sounds as diverse as the Canadians who make up our communities. The MusiCounts Slaight Family Foundation Innovation Fund will help kids across the country make music that celebrates diverse traditions, and embraces current technologies.

This grant program is open to all schools in Canada — in particular, schools that do not have the instruments, equipment, and resources needed to offer an inclusive and sustainable music program for students. The MusiCounts Slaight Family Foundation Innovation Fund will support music programs that fall within the following three categories:

• Culturally-specific programs: including (but not limited to) Indigenous music education, steelpan, African percussion, Métis fiddling, etc.
• Technology-forward programs: including (but not limited to) music production, digital music creation, hip hop, etc.
• Contemporary music ensembles: including (but not limited to) rock band, popular music ensembles, etc.

MusiCounts uses a comprehensive, multi-stage review process to assess all applications submitted to the Innovation Fund. Throughout the adjudication process, each application is individually reviewed and scored numerous times by MusiCounts staff, volunteer adjudicators, and music education specialists.

Adjudicators are asked to consider:

1. Community need: the extent to which the school serves high-need or under-represented student communities;
2. Need for support: the extent to which the school lacks the instruments, equipment, resources, or specialist support required to deliver the proposed program;
3. Rationale for the request: why the specific requested materials or supports are needed, and how they will expand access to culturally relevant, technology-forward, contemporary, or otherwise innovative music education; and
4. Implementation and sustainability: the school’s plan to implement the requested materials or supports, and ensure they are used meaningfully over the long term.

The number of applications MusiCounts is able to support, and the amount of funding available to allocate, varies from year to year.

In 2026, MusiCounts allocated approximately $420,000 to 30 schools across Canada through the Innovation Fund. Approximately 30% of Innovation Fund applications were supported.

Please reach out to the Programs team at applications@musicounts.ca with any questions that haven't been answered within the Program Guidelines or FAQ.