Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
General Micro-Grants
Grant to Attend Midwest & WBDI Luncheon
Sponsored by Women Band Directors International
General Micro-Grant
The purpose of this grant is to promote diversity and inclusion in K-12 school and community bands. The grant will provide financial assistance for the selected band programs to pursue and actively engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Projects may include updating their music library with works by women and BIPOC composers, bringing in under-represented directors/composers, and other projects that help underrepresented students and/or programs.
All applicants must be a current member of the Women Band Directors International organization. The applicants must serve as the director of a K-12 school or community band that demonstrates financial need.
Amount of Grant:
A grant may be fully or partially funded in an amount between $1 and $500 per program.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
All projects must be completed within one calendar year (by February 1, 2026).
Impact reports are due by April 1, 2026.
*If selected to receive a grant, an announcement will be made publicly. Additionally, an impact report will be requested and made public to current WBDI members.
Grant to Attend the Midwest Clinic and WBDI Luncheon
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Career Stage: Applicant must be an early-career band director, with 1 to 5 years of professional experience directing a school or community band.
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First-Time Attendee: Preference will be given to applicants attending the Midwest Clinic for the first time.
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Geographic Location: Applicant must reside in the United States (or specify particular regions if desired, such as a focus on underrepresented areas).
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Current Employment: Applicant must currently be employed as a band director at a school, community band, or music education program.
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Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in their band programs, particularly efforts to support underrepresented groups (e.g., women, BIPOC students, students with disabilities, etc.).
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Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need by explaining how receiving this scholarship will enable them to attend the Midwest Clinic. This can be reflected in a written statement and/or supporting documentation, such as income details or lack of access to other professional development funding.
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Professional Goals: Applicants must submit a written personal statement (500-750 words) that outlines: Why do you want to attend the Midwest Clinic? What are your goals for professional developments? How will attending the clinic benefit their teaching and the students they serve? How do you plan to implement what they learn at the clinic in their own band program?
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Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a supervisor, colleague, or mentor that speaks to their dedication to music education, leadership potential, and impact as a band director.
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Resume/CV: Applicants must provide a current resume or CV that highlights their education, band directing experience, and any related accomplishments or involvement in the music education community.
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As part of the grant, the recipient will be required to attend the WBDI luncheon Thursday December 19, 2024. (Luncheon registration fee included with the grant.)
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Follow-Up Requirement: If selected as the grant recipient, the recipient must agree to submit an impact report (500 words) within 30 days after attending the Midwest Clinic, detailing how the experience has influenced her professional development and her band program. This report is required for tax purposes and to help us measure the impact of the grant.
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Applicants must submit a copy of their Midwest Clinic Session Certificate.
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Application deadline is November 4, 2024.
Meet the WBDI DEI & Micro-Grants Committee
We are excited to introduce the redefined WBDI DEI & Micro-Grants Committee!
Catharine Bushman, Director of Bands, St. Cloud State University
Tara Cappelletti, Director of Bands, Glenbard East High School
Judy Grimes, Professor Emeritus, Elmhurst University
Andrea Mack, Graduate Assistant, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bethany Moslen, Director of Music, Katherine L. Albiani Middle School
Shemeka Nash, Artistic Manager - Ravinia Festival Association
Sarah Nietupski, Director of Bands - Michigan Center Jr/Sr High School
Catherine Rand, Director of Bands - University of Southern Mississippi
Ashley Shoupe, Assistant Director of Bands - Murray State University
Shayna Stahl, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Kentucky
Roxanne Stevenson, Director of Bands - Chicago State University