The IBMA Foundation helps individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations work together in supporting the future of bluegrass music. In a nation and a world that is divided in so many ways, music can unite and heal us. Explore this website and learn about the interesting and important ways the IBMA Foundation is working to make a difference, with people just like you. Through grant-making, philanthropy and planned giving, we can make the world a better place by sharing bluegrass with future generations. Come join us!
CONGRATULATIONS to the recipients of IBMA Foundation Project Grants for 2026! Read all about them HERE.
IBMA Foundation Welcomes Sierra Hull and Dr. Paul Byrum to Board of Directors
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 30. — The IBMA Foundation, led by Executive Director Cassie Wright, is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its board of directors: six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Sierra Hull, and corporate strategist and educator Dr. Obie Paul Byrum. Both begin their three-year terms effective July 1, 2026, bringing a valuable blend of industry perspective, operational expertise, and lifelong dedication to the future of bluegrass music to support the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sierra and Paul to our leadership team,” said Trisha Tubbs, president and board chair of the IBMA Foundation. “Sierra’s historic artistic achievements and deep roots in our community inspire music lovers worldwide, and Paul’s extensive background in global operations, strategy, and non-profit committee work provides invaluable expertise. We are grateful to have them join our Board of Directors. Their leadership will be vital as we continue to grow and work toward a brighter future for bluegrass music, advancing our efforts in bluegrass education, arts and culture, literary work, and historic preservation.”
IBMA Foundation awards $18,500 in Arnold Shultz Fund Grants
The IBMA Foundation has awarded a total of $18,500 and two banjos for 13 Arnold Shultz Fund grants to programs and individuals in seven states plus China, India, and Uganda. The Arnold Shultz Fund was established in 2020 by the IBMA Foundation to encourage participation in bluegrass music by people of color who are underrepresented in bluegrass.
“We’re proud to announce a continuing pattern of strong support for Arnold Shultz Fund grants in 2026,” said Dr. Richard Brown, co-chair of the Arnold Shultz Fund advisory committee along with Neil Rosenberg, Ph.D. “The Shultz Fund committee has awarded over $103,000 in grants since the program began in 2020, plus an additional $30,000 for the Black Banjo Reclamation Project which came from proceeds from the annual Pisgah Banjo Company fundraising raffle.”
“The IBMA Foundation seeks to offer a proactive, helping hand to promote participation in bluegrass by underrepresented racial and ethnic groups around the world,” Brown said. “Bluegrass music belongs to everyone who wants to listen to it or play it. We are grateful to donors who continue to support the Arnold Shultz Fund and all the other Foundation initiatives. Their generosity has made it possible to award grants to these very deserving musicians and program organizers.”
READ MORE about the 2026 Arnold Shultz Awardees here.
I feel fortunate to have grown up in a time and place where people were so supportive of those playing bluegrass music. Band members and fans became great friends. The IBMA Foundation is helping develop that same kind of music community now and for the future. The Foundation helps connect resources to programs and activities that involve our next generation of musicians. I am glad to partner with the Foundation by being a board member, donor and supporter! The IBMA Foundation is a great place to make a difference.
I know first-hand what great work the IBMA Foundation does because I was a board member for a number of years. There’s not an organization anywhere that makes a bigger investment in the future of bluegrass music by supporting educational programs.
I’ve been playing bluegrass since I discovered the San Diego Bluegrass Club as a 12-year-old. These days I wear several hats: co-founder of Compass Records, producer and, of course, banjo player. When I was learning to play, there were so many people who went out of their way to help me, from my biggest musical heroes to countless parking lot pickers. The “play it forward” spirit of our community is one of its great treasures and it is a privilege for me to be able to help up-and-coming players. Building community is key to the future of bluegrass music. What better way to do that than to support those who will play the music forward, through the 21st century and beyond?
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The IBMA Foundation
1183 University Drive #105-215
Burlington, NC 27215
773-383-2964