YouTube have opened grant applications for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2022, , offering new scholarship opportunities and deepening investments in Black music communities.
What are #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Grants?
A development initiative to champion Black artists and songwriters/producers, supported by the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund. Participating artists and songwriters/producers receive seed funding invested into the development of their content, dedicated partner support, and marketing promotion.
Who is eligible for #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Grants?
Developing artists and songwriters/producers who identify as Black, in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Ideal artist candidates will be interested in establishing a long-term channel strategy, and will be releasing music between Q4 2021 and Q2 2022. Ideal songwriter/producer candidates will be interested in establishing a long-term channel strategy, will have contributed to music releasing between Q4 2021-Q2 2022, and will be willing to collaborate with other songwriters & producers involved in the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Grants program.
When is the deadline to apply?
The application window will be open starting June 21, 2021 at 6am PST and will close on July 9, 2021 at 11:59 PST.
What is the application process?
Artists and songwriters/producers can submit information to be considered for grants here. Note that information should be submitted on behalf of either an Artist or a Songwriter/Producer: An Artist is someone who predominantly releases commercial music as a releasing Artist. A Songwriter/Producer is someone whose work predominantly results in commercial releases for other Artists. Information provided will be kept in accordance with the Google Privacy Policy. Successful applicants will be contacted by email.
More info
If you identify as Black, are a member of the YouTube Partner Programme (creators only) and are located in any of the eligible markets, then you are eligible to apply.
In addition to creators and artists, YouTube is expanding eligibility to songwriters and producers. Also, for the first time, YouTube is opening up applications for those based in Canada, in addition to the U.S., UK, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Artist, and Songwriter/Producer grants will also be available in Australia.
YouTube have also forged a new partnership with renowned music education institution, 1500 Sound Academy, founded by GRAMMY-award winning Songwriters & Producers James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson. Through the inaugural #YouTubeBlack Music Future Insiders Scholarship, and in partnership with 1500 Sound Academy, YouTube will fund 10 full ride scholarships to the Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals program. During the six-month scholarship term, recipients will take courses in music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business and much more.