Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music

John Stites Jazz Awards (JSJA)

There are two categories of John Stites Jazz Awards – Artistic Development and Jazz Events. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 – no cash or in-kind match is required.

1st Award Cycle

February 15 through April 15, 2023 – Applications accepted.
April 16 through June 15, 2023 – Panel of professional jazz musicians review applications and recommend award recipients to the Board of Directors.
July 1, 2023 – Board of Directors inform award winners.
July 15, 2023 – Award recipients receive funding for use in 2023 or 2024.
August 1, 2023 – Award winners are announced on the JSJA website.

2nd Award Cycle

July 16 through September 15, 2023 – Applications accepted.
September 16 through November 15, 2023 – Panel of professional jazz musicians review applications and recommend award recipients to the Board of Directors.
December 1 through December 15, 2023 – Board of Directors inform award winners.
December 31, 2023 – Award recipients receive funding for use in 2023 or 2024.
January 15, 2024 – Award winners are announced on the JSJA website

Award winners must include the JSJA logo on their website or social media site(s) and/or acknowledge JSJA’s financial support in newsletters and/or press releases, marketing materials, programs, and media interviews. Assistance with media promotions and logo displays will be made available to the Award winners.

Who can apply

Emerging professional jazz musicians (or ensembles) who have completed two or more years of college-level experience in a music discipline or equivalent training
Professional musicians with a minimum of two years of significant performance engagements
Individuals and nonprofit organizations that sponsor jazz concerts, competitions, or projects that will enhance musicianship and public access to and appreciation of outstanding jazz performances
Applicants may receive one JSJA every two years. (e.g. a 2021 winner may apply for a 2023 award, and a 2022 winner may apply for a 2024 award).

For-profit organizations (including concert promoters, event planning and management companies, recording studios) are ineligible.

Organizations whose primary mission does not focus on jazz music may apply for an award if the funds requested will be used for a single event/project or series of events/projects that focus exclusively on jazz music.

You may apply for either an Artistic Development Award or a Jazz Event Award or both, but please remember that 60% of the points are awarded for the quality of the project and award winning projects typically focus on a new or innovative approach to jazz rather than just a way to get paid for performing.

JSJA Artistic Development Awards

Fees for classes, workshops, clinics, scholarships, and competitions (except courses required to complete an undergraduate degree or graduate degree)
Related expenses including required activities, supplies, travel, and housing

Allowable Expenses

Fees and expenses required for participation in classes, workshops, and clinics
Books and supplies

Ineligible Expenses

Purchased equipment including instruments
Recordings for commercial sale and/or performance tapes

JSJA Jazz Event Awards

Concert performances with outstanding professional jazz soloists, ensembles, and special guests (must be open to public and provide accessible entrances)
Master-level classes, workshops, and clinics held in conjunction with performances by outstanding jazz musicians and special guests
Jazz artist competitions with monetary awards that further education in jazz musicianship
Community projects that expand access to or appreciation of jazz in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana or Ohio.

Allowable Expenses

Honoraria including travel and housing for guest artists, artist fees, and artist residencies
Performance space rental
Marketing, technical, and logistical support for concerts and projects

Ineligible Expenses

Purchased equipment including instruments
General administrative costs and overhead expenses
Routine performances by local artists and groups
Donations to music departments at school districts, colleges, or universities
Capital projects, fund-raising events, or receptions

Funding information (2022)

Funds must be expended between July 2023 and November 30, 2024 (1st Award Cycle) or December 2023 and May 30, 2024 (2nd Award Cycle)
Awards less than $10,000:
- 85% of award issued in July 2023 (1st Award Cycle) or December 2023 (2nd Award Cycle)
- 15% issued after submission of final report – Final report deadline December 15, 2024 (1st Award Cycle) or June 15, 2025 (2nd Award Cycle)
Awards $10,000 or more:
- 60% of award issued in July 2023 (1st Award Cycle) or December 2023 (2nd Award Cycle)
- 30% issued after submission of interim report – Deadline December 2023 (1st Award Cycle) or June 2024 (2nd Award Cycle)
- 10% issued after submission of final report – Final report deadline December 15, 2024 (1st Award Cycle) or June 15, 2025 (2nd Award Cycle
Final report must include narrative summary of outcomes, detailed financial statement, and publicity materials from any concert or project event. Remaining funds are forfeited if final report is not submitted.
Award winners are required to retain and make available upon request the following supporting documentation:
- A list of dates and amounts of all grant payments received
- Documentation of all grant expenditures including paid invoices and receipts
- Payroll and tax withholding records, if applicable

How to apply

Apply online through a third-party application process by selecting the Artistic Development Award link or the Jazz Events Award link below. The third-party application process is conducted through SmarterSelect to ensure confidentiality and impartiality in the process. You will receive an email and/or text acknowledgement from SmarterSelect that your application has been received.

1st Award Cycle applications will be available February 15 and 2nd Award Cycle applications will be available July 15.

Thank you to everyone who submitted!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page, or submit your question using the contact form.

Apply for a JSJA Artistic Development Award

Apply for a JSJA Jazz Event Award

Recording with John was always a treat ... his gentle demeanor was deeply appreciated.

Mark Sahlgren

The John Stites Jazz Awards (JSJA) are funded by the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization, honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music.

The organization funds:

Advanced studies for emerging and established professional jazz musicians
Concerts, competitions and projects that expand jazz audiences and the appreciation of jazz in or near communities in the Midwest