Frequently Asked Questions
TECHNICAL:
Do I need to register with Good Grants in order to apply for The Echo Fund?
Yes. Please go to musicoregon.grantplatform.com and follow the instructions.
NOTE: Good Grants registration requires a strict adherence to password character requirements: Passwords must include at least 12 characters, including a number, an upper- and a lower-case letter and a special character. Most problems with user registration involve setting up a password properly.
You can watch this brief video that walks through the Good Grants registration process.
You may also contact us: contact@musicoregon.org for additional questions. We’re here to help.
I’m having problems with my application. Can you help?
Yes! Check out this video tutorial that takes you through the application process step by step. Note that there are slight variations in applications in the years since this video was made, but the general instructions should still apply. If you still have problems, reach out to us at contact@musicoregon.org.
May I save my application and come back later to finish?
Yes. Your draft will be saved in your Good Grants account to continue when you sign back in. We strongly suggest you draft your responses separately (say, in Word or in Google Docs) and then copy/paste into the application.
PROGRAM:
Who can apply?
Independent, working musicians residing in the Greater Portland metropolitan area in the following zip codes: Portland Metro: 970xx, 971xx, 972xx. “Independent, working musician” means that you are working as a musician in commercial environments like clubs and other venues. "Independent" means that you are not employed full time by a nonprofit music institution for which you earn a salary for performance, such as a symphony, opera, or professional ensemble, etc. NOTE: Future rounds of funding will be available to musicians residing throughout the state of Oregon.
Individuals and businesses. We make grant awards to independent, working musicians operating as individuals, sole proprietors, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), partnerships, and other legally organized entities.
Tax Status: You must provide MusicPortland with a W-9 form if you receive an award. The W-9 form must have a Social Security Number (SSN), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with your legal address in the Portland or Vancouver metro areas (see above). If you do not have one of these numbers, please contact us at info@musicportland.org for confidential assistance
One applicant and application per project. If you are a band, please designate ONE person as your applicant. Do not submit multiple applications for the same project.
This year, the City of Portland is partnering with three local arts service providers – Friends of IFCC, MusicOregon, and RACC – to award $1,360,000 in small grants to artists and organizations. Grantseekers may apply to more than one of the city’s arts service providers, but may not receive more than $5,000 total from all three partners combined in 2024-25. For more information, visit www.portland.gov/arts.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Non-musicians The Echo Fund is currently only open to musicians. If you are an event producer, engineer, venue or other individual or business working in the music industry but not creating music yourself, you are not eligible at this time.
Radio DJs or Playlist Curators who do not contribute creatively to the music played for their audience.
Musicians who are full time employees of a nonprofit music institution for which you earn a salary for performance, such as a symphony, opera, a professional ensemble, etc.
Employees, board members and family members of employees and board members of MusicPortland, MusicPortland Bridge and/or LEAP
Nonprofit organizations, schools and school districts.
If you have questions about eligibility, please reach out to us by email at info@musicportland.org
What types of projects will be considered for funding during this cycle of The Echo Fund?
Projects must fall into one or more of the following categories. Parenthetical lists are to give you a sense of the kinds of things that fall into each category. Please note that using local vendors, contractors and resources is highly encouraged!
Production (tracking, session players, engineering, production, mixing, mastering, recording project management, studio rental, etc.)
Promotion (promo materials, website development, EPK, publicity, photography, videography, digital and print advertising, posters, printing, design)
Distribution (physical media replication (vinyl/CD), distribution platform fees (Distrokid, CD Baby, etc), mailing costs)
Resources (purchases of instruments, gear, software, performance-related equipment, pedals, amplifiers, etc.)
What types of projects aren’t eligible for this cycle?
Due to a limited pool of resources for this round of awards, we’re unable to fund the following activities at this time:
Activities related to live performances, events, and touring
Compensation for artists' time to carry out the grant activities (such as writing music, recording, hiring contractors, etc) and artists' personal expenses such as rent, groceries, childcare, etc.
Paid or brokered placement on streaming playlists/platforms
Education, training, lessons, etc.
Gas, food, travel expenses
Rehearsal space rental costs
Activities that do not take place between December 9, 2024 and August 1, 2025. We cannot support activities that happen before or after these dates. This includes: work already done on an album, a fee for a past gig, something you already purchased or plan to purchase after these dates, etc.
Beginner artist projects. If you’re brand new and just starting out (don’t yet have a web presence to show us your songs, fans on socials, etc.), this round of funding isn’t the best fit for you. You may still apply, but note that priority will be given to established artists.
A project that’s not related to music.
A project with a budget that exceeds $5000.
I’m a guitarist in a band that tours around the region and nationally. I live in Vancouver. Can I apply?
Yes. You reside in the greater Portland metropolitan area and you’re a working musician.
I am in the process of forming a band and have some leads for gigs in the future. Can I apply?
Not yet. This round of funding is for established, independent working musicians. If you’re just starting out, it may not be the best fit for you.
I want to purchase a piece of equipment for my work as a deejay/producer and singer/songwriter. Can I apply?
Yes! As long as you meet our guidelines and can demonstrate that the equipment will help you level up as a musician and creator, you’re welcome to apply.
My band is looking to create a live event for all ages to come together and enjoy an evening of awesome music. Can we apply?
While we love your idea, we’re not funding event projects during this funding cycle.