Apply for a 2025 John Stites Jazz Award February 15!
Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music
Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music
Please refer to the Awards page. Key dates are listed in the Timelines and Deadlines section. Award winners are notified by both email and “snail” mail and must sign the contract attached to the award notice before receiving any funds. Those who do not win will also receive an email notification and are encouraged to reapply during the next awards cycle. Descriptions of the winning projects are posted on the website a few weeks after the winners are announced.
Non-US Citizens with Resident Alien status can apply for awards and will need to add their social security number to the application form. Applicants without Resident Alien status are ineligible.
Individual award winners (US Citizens and Resident Aliens) will receive a 1099.
NO. John Stites Jazz Awards must be used to fund personal development projects which promote individual growth and give award winners the opportunity to make a unique contribution to jazz music.
There are no geographic restrictions on applicants applying for Artistic Development Awards.
YES. Points are awarded in each section. You can determine the possible number of points for each section by “hovering” over the answer box. If you leave a section blank, you will lose all the points for that section. Be sure you provide a timeline, budget, and supplementary documents to obtain all the possible points. Several of these questions can best be answered by uploading a pdf file.
Applications without a Timeline file, a Budget file, at least 1 Letter of Recommendation, and a Performance Tape/File WILL NOT BE SCORED!
Applicants MUST upload at least one personal reference from someone who can attest to their musical knowledge/ability/talent as well as performance experience. Many applicants upload a reference from a collaborating musician or someone who will be assisting in the performance or project (such as the venue director, your prospective teacher, a recognized professional in the field, and/or a commercial or nonprofit entity providing financial or in-kind support for the project or performance, etc.)
Applicants are encouraged to provide a reference from a previous teacher or mentor, as well as individuals in the profession who are familiar with the applicant’s work. A sound file (Mp3 or similar) of a personal musical performance or a link to one MUST also be included. Generic documents such as online biographies, links to websites, and publicity downloads are helpful, but less effective than references from individuals and organizations who write a specific personal reference stating why you should receive an award to pursue your project or course of study.
YES, you can reapply and we encourage you to do so. The JSJA recommends that you print a copy of your completed application, so that you will have it available to reference if you decide to reapply.
The links for each award cycle are posted about two weeks before the Award Cycle opens (see Timelines and Deadlines section of the Awards page on our website for the most up-to-date information).
NO. John Stites Jazz Awards can no longer be used to fund jazz events like concerts and tours. If you plan to put on a concert or series of concerts or go on tour at the conclusion of your project, you will need to find another source of funding and include that information on your application form.
NO. You can use a John Stites Jazz Award to pay living expenses and instructional expenses while you are away from your residence completing a course of study or acquiring training.
NO. If you plan to make a recording or a performance tape at the conclusion of your project, you will need to find another source of funding and include that information on your application form.
NO except for:
NO. All expenses eligible for reimbursement must be incurred after you are named an award winner and sign your contract.
NO. You will be required to return any money received to date unless you notify the JSJAO Board in writing BEFORE you make any changes to your project and the Board agrees that the changes you are making are minor and will still allow your project to qualify under IRS guidelines for money awarded by Private Nonprofit Foundations.
NO. You will be required to return any money received to date unless you notify the JSJAO Board in writing BEFORE the completion date on your application form and ask for an extension due to extraordinary circumstances. The Board may or may not agree to extend the completion date.
YES, if you maintain a separate record of the expenses you paid using JSJA funds and submit that record with your final report. The expenses paid with JSJA funds must be expenses eligible for reimbursement.
Please note that the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization which sponsors the John Stites Jazz Awards is subject to IRS rules for maintaining our nonprofit status as a 501 (c) 3 Private Foundation. We will make every effort to minimize your accounting requirements while complying with IRS stipulations for Private Foundations.
John loved music with all his heart and was the ideal recording engineer – a profession into which he poured all his considerable talents and artistry.
Dan Gustin
The John Stites Jazz Awards (JSJA) are funded by the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization.
The organization funds advanced studies for emerging jazz musicians, as well as personal development projects which enhance their career opportunities.