The MusiCounts Band Aid Program provides under-resourced schools with grants of up to $20,000 worth of musical instruments, equipment, and resources.

• The MusiCounts Band Aid Program supports standard approaches to music education in Canada, including concert band, orchestra, Orff, guitar, ukulele and more.
• 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

This program exists because music education is chronically underfunded across Canada. This results in the most in-need young people not having access to the benefits of music education. To learn more about the benefits of music education, the barriers that schools face in offering inclusive music education programs, and how MusiCounts’ programs address these issues, click here.

This grant program is open to all schools in Canada. In particular, this program is geared towards schools that do not have the instruments, equipment, and resources needed to offer an inclusive and sustainable music program for students. The MusiCounts Band Aid Program responds to the reality that music education in Canada is chronically underfunded. It aims to ensure that the most in-need youth in Canada have access to the benefits of music education.

MusiCounts uses a multi-stage review process to assess applications to the School Music Funding Programs. Once applications are received, they are reviewed 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, or resources required to deliver music education;
3. Rationale for the request: why the specific requested materials are needed, and how they will increase access to music education; and
4. Implementation and sustainability: how the school will put the requested materials to use, and how they will support music education over time.

Applications are considered in relation to overall demand, the strength of the request, available funds, and MusiCounts’ commitment to supporting schools and students with the greatest need.

In 2026, MusiCounts allocated approximately $980,000 to 66 schools across Canada through the Band Aid Program. Approximately 20% of Band Aid Program 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.