How to apply
Applicants apply through a 3rd party website. A committee consisting of 3 professional musicians (none of them on the board), scores the applications. The scores are then provided to the board who then decides how many awards to give each cycle. Applicants can apply for grants in the amount of 5,000 - 25,000. There is a pre-established payment schedule (installment payments) in the contract that the award winners sign. There are 2 other types of award given: (1) discretionary award - includes a formal process for submitting a request for such an award (which must be submitted on behalf of the… Contact: Johnstitesjazzawardsorg, 343 N Marshall Ave, Marshall, Mi, 2699672347, NA Deadlines: There are 2 awards cycles each year. The first award cycle is due february 15 and the second is due Restrictions: Awards are for artists and musicians that focus on jazz music.
Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2025 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.
Grants paid in 2025
15 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The GilmoreKalamazoo, MI | Jazz concerts | $80K |
| Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy CoaltiKalamazoo, MI | Jazz concert series | $25K |
| Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI | Jazz concert series | $21K |
| Gustavo Cortinas FouillouxChicago, IL | Jazz compensation & arranging studie | $10K |
| Maxwell BessessenBrooklyn, NY | Study of woodwing doubling in jazz | $8,416 |
| Andrew RathbunKalamazoo, MI | Studies in composing a jazz saxophon | $8,072 |
| Nick WeiserDunkirk, NY | Study of community influence on jazz | $7,496 |
| Miranda AgnewBrooklyn, NY | Jazz compensation & improvisation st | $6,725 |
| Keegan Marshall-HouseNew Orleans, LA | Herbie nichols research project | $6,000 |
| Braun KhanLogan, UT | Jazz bass development studies | $5,513 |
| Lisa SungGrand Rapids, MI | Study of se asian influencees | $5,000 |
| Jazz Education NetworkChicago, IL | Jazz educators' conference | $5,000 |
| Michigan Festival of Sacred MusicKalamazoo, MI | Jazz concert | $5,000 |
| John DambergAnchorage, AK | Study of jazz imprvisation technique | $3,165 |
| Keith HallPortage, MI | Brazilian drumming studies | $1,485 |
By state: Michigan 7 · New York 3 · Illinois 2 · Louisiana 1 · Utah 1 · Alaska 1
About this foundation
John Stites Jazz Artist Organization is a private grantmaking foundation in Marshall, Michigan, administered in care of F William McCarty, tax-exempt since 2018. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does John Stites Jazz Artist Organization accept grant applications?
Yes. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation indicates it accepts applications. Applicants apply through a 3rd party website. A committee consisting of 3 professional musicians (none of them on the board), scores the applications. Deadlines: There are 2 awards cycles each year. The first award cycle is due february 15 and the second is due.
How much does John Stites Jazz Artist Organization give each year?
In tax year 2025 it paid $198K across 15 grants, a median of $6,725.
Where does John Stites Jazz Artist Organization give?
Michigan (7 grants), New York (3 grants), Illinois (2 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.
More foundations near Marshall that accept applications
All in Michigan| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cronin Foundationsince 1990 | Marshall, MI | $932K14 grants · 2024 | $26K | Yes | $12M |
| W K Kellogg Foundationsince 2014 | Battle Creek, MI | $304M1,819 grants · 2024 | $100K | Yes | $475M |
| Kresge Foundationsince 1928 | Troy, MI | $170M800 grants · 2024 | $140K | Yes | $4.1B |
| The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundationsince 2012 | Detroit, MI | $141M413 grants · 2024 | $100K | Yes | $1.0B |
| Herbert H & Grace a Dow Foundationsince 1943 | Midland, MI | $14M2 grants · 2024 | $7.0M | Yes | $621M |