Applications Now Closed

The Lewis Prize for Music is no longer accepting 2021 Accelerator Awards applications. Accelerator Awards were open to Creative Youth Development (CYD) music organizations seeking to influence youth-serving systems so all young people have access to learning, creating, and performing experiences that reflect their culture and identity.

Applications were open from July 24-August 21, 2020 at 5pm PST. Additional materials and applications will be requested for organizations moving on to the Semi-finalist and Finalist rounds. In January 2021, we will award three multi-year awards of $500,000.

The mission of The Lewis Prize is to partner with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through music. Our vision is for every young person, regardless of who they are or where they live, to have the opportunity to access music programs from a young age. We believe this can only be achieved through equitable systems change. We aim to award ambitious organizations and leaders who are already strengthening young people through rigorous and diverse music programs and influencing systems so all young people can develop greater agency over their lives and contribute positively to their communities.