Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Levitt Foundation announce grant for outdoor concert grants

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) Commissioner Mark Ezell and Levitt Foundation leadership announced today a joint partnership and launch of grant applications for the Levitt AMP Music Series beginning May 1. Applications for the 2026-2028 Levitt Music Series grant cycle will be open May 1–June 30, 2025.

Through the partnership, both the state and the foundation will be awarding matching grants of up to $40,000 per year over the next three years, 2026-2028. The funding will go toward supporting approximately 180 free outdoor concerts in small or mid-sized cities across Tennessee. This project marks the Levitt Foundation’s first joint partnership with a specific state.

The Levitt Foundation has provided funding to more than 50 communities across the U.S. through its Levitt AMP grant program, which activates underused outdoor public spaces in cities and towns nationwide, creating community gathering destinations and ensuring access to the arts by offering free concert series with high-caliber artists across an array of music genres.

To learn more about the Levitt AMP Music Series Grants, see eligibility criteria and access the application, please visit levitt.org/partners-tn.