News from the Foundation
Bookmark this page to check out new reports, articles, and announcements from the IBMA Foundation!
IBMA Foundation 2024-2025 Year End Report
They say, “It’s all about the numbers,” and the IBMA Foundation numbers for the past fiscal year were pretty great! But more important are the names and faces, programs, stories, and wonderful bluegrass music behind each number. We’ll share some of both with you below.
Since the beginning of the Foundation in 2007, more than $530,000 has been awarded for grants, scholarships and programs.
This past year we awarded more than $74,400 in grants, scholarships, and program support.
More than 500 supporters shared in our mission to support the future of bluegrass music, with donations totaling $198,000.
We ended the 2024-25 fiscal year with $644,326 in net assets. The Foundation’s agency endowment funds totaled $539,431
Latest Info
Wernick Jam Camp scholarship available – apply by June 30
August 23-28, Albany, New York The IBMA Foundation is pleased to share that Bluegrass Hall of Famer Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick is offering a scholarship to his Silver Bay Bluegrass Camp August 23-28, 2026, as a donation to the Foundation. In its thirteenth year, the...
Cassie Wright featured on the Bluegrass BKLYN Podcast
Our new Executive Director, Cassie Wright, recently joined host Mike Wilner on the Bluegrass BKLYN podcast. In the episode, which aired April 12, 2026, Cassie outlines the Foundation’s programs and objectives, sharing the incredible work the IBMA Foundation does to...
Project Grant Highlight – ETSU String Band Summit held April 9-12
We are excited to share a project grant highlight from our board member, Mona Salyer! The String Band Summit at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tennessee, was awarded an IBMA Foundation Project Grant for 2026. The ETSU Institute for Appalachian...
Project Grant Highlight – Prince Edward Island Winter Bluegrass Festival ‘Pioneering Women in Bluegrass Music’
On March 21, 2026, the Prince Edward Island Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Society’s PEI Winter Bluegrass Festival hosted a special session featuring two pioneering women in bluegrass music: Barbara Martin Stephens and Betty Hartford. Both women led successful...
College partners, save these dates for World of Bluegrass 2026!
We are looking forward to a busy World of Bluegrass week, from our exhibit booth to the Biscuits for Bluegrass fundraiser. Above all, we are proud to highlight the future of the genre by showcasing talented college students, bands, and emerging leaders on stage and in...
Enter Now: The 6th Annual Strings for Dreams Bluegrass Raffle closes May 15!
Time is running out to win a legendary instrument while supporting a great cause. The IBMA Foundation’s Strings for Dreams Raffle is live, but you must act fast, entries close May 15! The IBMA Foundation is excited to share the 6th annual Strings for Dreams Bluegrass...
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The IBMA Foundation
1183 University Drive #105-215
Burlington, NC 27215
773-383-2964