The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) was established in 1948 as a nonprofit independent public service organization whose mission includes contributing to the public knowledge and appreciation of music, as well as making music a part of every child’s life experience. Headquartered in New York City, the tax-exempt MPTF, operating under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, evolved from a landmark collective bargaining agreement between the American Federation of Musicians and the major recording companies of the day. Today the MPTF is a vital organization that brings music to the public and supplements the income of musicians, all at no cost to those receiving this precious gift of music.
Funded via a royalty stream from the signatory record labels, led by the three major labels, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and the Warner Music Group, the MPTF today presents thousands of live, admission-free musical programs annually in the United States and Canada. Under the terms of their agreement, the recording companies pay a royalty from the sale of sound recordings to the Fund. These funds are supplemented by co-sponsoring organizations and administered by a Trustee, who is independent of both the recording industry and the AFM.
DOWNLOAD the Co-Sponsorship brochure to learn more.
NOTE: Very Important
If you are thinking about applying for an MPTF grant, note:
There are two basic rules which must be adhered to for every grant application:
- The performance is free and open to the public; and
- Music is the prime purpose of the audience being at a particular place at a particular time
Please visit https://www.hamiltonmusicians.org/mptf-want-to-put-together-a-musical-event-but-need-financing/ to see the type of events that ARE NOT eligible for MPTF grants.