2021 Accelerator Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
When I register on Acceptd, it asks me if I am an individual or a student. What should I choose?
Individual. As you proceed, it will be clear that you are actually applying on behalf of your organization.
When I submit my application on Acceptd, it asks me to pay a fee. Does it cost $30 to submit an application?
No. There is no fee to apply for The Lewis Prize for Music.
What is the process after I submit my Round 1 application?
Semi-Finalists will be notified in late August and are invited to submit additional material for review, August 24-Sept. 10.
Finalists will be notified in late September and are invited to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) and host a Virtual Site Visit, Sept. 24-Oct. 29.
Awardees are notified in early December and asked to be interviewed in mid-December for a highlight video managed and paid for by TLPM.
Awardees are announced publicly and funds are given, mid January 2022.
The Lewis Prize Criteria mentions “Creative Youth Development.” I’m not familiar with this term. What does it mean?
Creative Youth Development (CYD) describes programs that blend excellence in artistic instruction with principles of positive youth development. More information about CYD and its growth as a field can be found at the Creative Youth Development National Partnership.
What does systems change mean to the Lewis Prize?
An in depth definition, background, and examples can be found here. The Accelerator Awards will go to those who have a solid systems change initiative underway and are beginning to see progress toward a tipping point, or who are sustaining the transition to a new system.
Our organization provides additional support services to young people (and their families) such as academic tutoring, meals, transportation, technology access, etc. Should we mention these in our application?
Yes. The Lewis Prize for Music recognizes and values the commitment CYD organizations make to filling systemic gaps and building new systems beyond access to music so young people thrive. The application includes questions that ask you to share information about your program’s holistic focus on youth wellbeing.
What will Reviewers be looking for in the Round I Application?
The Lewis Prize strives to see the heart in each organization, and is not not necessarily focused on those who submit the most well written application. Centering racial equity and inclusion as well as leadership that represents the communities served by the organization is of high value to TLPM. We want to learn about your program and overall approach to youth wellbeing. We want insights into your Big Idea toward systems change and the progress you are making. We place value on community partnerships and youth leadership.
Who are the review panelists for The Lewis Prize?
The review panelists are individuals chosen for their diverse expertise across the fields of music, education, philanthropy, community organizing, and social justice. One-third to two-thirds of each Panel are young adult leaders who have participated in CYD programs. You can find the full list of panelists from last year’s prize process here.
My video or audio recordings are not professional quality. Will this hurt my chances of moving forward?
No. We understand that not every program has the means to provide a professional recording, and we acknowledge that recordings produced since 2020 will look very different than those from previous years. Though audio or video evidence is necessary, we are interested in how the music samples display rigor, personal expression, youth leadership, cultural identity, and enthusiastic engagement of the young people performing.
How will I be notified of a decision?
Notifications are sent through the Acceptd online application messaging feature attached to your application on Acceptd. Please add their information to your contacts list to prevent the notifications from entering your spam folder.
Can I send supplemental items for my application?
No, only provide materials that are requested on the application portal found online at the Round I Application on Acceptd. Additional materials will not be reviewed.
I have only been working as the CEO/Executive Director at my current organization for 1 year. Am I still eligible to apply?
No. The 2022 application requires eligible leaders to have been serving in their leadership role reporting to the Board of Directors since sometime in or before 2019.
My program takes place during the school day but we are not funded by the school system. Are we eligible?
TLPM supports programs that happen in out-of-school time, regardless of funding source. Program operations must happen outside of those hours. If you run programming both within the school day and after school/out-of-school time, you are eligible to apply. Focus on the out-of-school activities in your narrative, but mentioning the connection to in-school time is fine. Please reach out to TLPM for clarification if you are unclear on your program’s eligibility.
School Booster Clubs and other 501(c)3’s that exist to support a school music program do not meet the CYD eligibility requirements.
The online application is asking if the leader of the organization is filling out the application. Our organization has a grant writer. May they fill in this application?
The Lewis Prize values the voice of the leader. It is required that the application be filled out directly by the leader. Grant writers may be involved if applicants move to future application rounds.
The application states that the Lewis Prize aims to support a diverse group of leaders and organizations. Are only people of color, rural communities, and women leaders eligible to apply?
If you meet our eligibility criteria, you are eligible to apply. The Lewis Prize for Music knows that organizations that are run by and/or uplift people of color, rural communities, and women leaders are often overlooked in funding opportunities. We are putting attention and effort toward creating equitable opportunities.
If you have additional questions not answered above, submit them through The Lewis Prize Contact Form. Additional questions and answers for this year’s prize can also be found here.
For technical questions regarding the Acceptd platform, please use the Acceptd Help Desk.