Foundation Programs

A primary activity of the foundation will be to create grants for studies in the electronic, mechanical and aural areas of music which will stimulate the advancement to the technical aspects and pleasures of music in the spirit of the lifelong contributions of Les Paul and others. The foundation will also provide funds to institutions which can conduct medical research related to hearing impairment.

The other primary focus of the foundation is to catalogue the instruments, inventions and other memorabilia of Les Paul in order to create exhibits displaying the life, achievements in the advancements of sound, and the accomplishments of Les Paul. These exhibits will be made available to museums, schools and other institutions which will make the exhibits available for public display.

Currently there are Les Paul exhibits at:

- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio
- Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Mahwah Museum, Mahwah, New Jersey

Discovery World’s educational programs connect innovation, science and technology with exploration and learning. Existing guitar programs will be expanding with help from a 2011 Les Paul Foundation grant.			GRAMMY Campers work, learn, and play with some of the music industry’s top professionals.to gain the industry tools required
		to have a successful career in music. 2010 Awardee: Kristen Castro

	Launchpad helps Wisconsin high school students discover their full music potential		The Soulsville Foundation/Stax Music Academy offers music to students who live in the most economically
through an alternative music competition. 2010 Les Paul Launchpad Awardee Little Saint Anything 2011 Les Paul Launchpad Awardee Chase Promenade		challenged areas of Memphis. The “Les Paul Reel Sound of Soul Music” is the organization’s workshop based on the 8-track analogue machine.

Eligible Organizations:

Organizations 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.

Types of Grants Awarded:

The Foundation will prioritize funding for specific projects and programs in the interest areas at left. On occasion, grants for general operating and capital support may be considered.

Application and Decision Deadlines:

For 2012, the Foundation will accept pre-grant inquiries until August 31st, 2012. The Foundation will review these submissions and will invite organizations whose projects align with the mission of the Foundation to submit a full proposal in the fall. Funding decisions will be made by December 15th and will be communicated to all applicants shortly thereafter.

Pre-Grant Inquiry Form:
Online PDF version
Printable Word Document Version

info@lespaulfoundation.org
or call us at: 212-687-2929

Contributions can be sent to:
The Les Paul Foundation
236 West 30th Street 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001