MUSIC GRANTS IN 2025
5 FOR 5
Introducing …
The 5 FOR 5 in '25 Grant Winners!
The Wavemakers – Women in Music 40+ is proud to announce the winners of its first-ever 5 for 5 in '25 Grant Program, an initiative created to uplift and celebrate female musicians over 40 who are actively shaping the future of music.
After receiving over 50 competitive applications from talented Austin-based artists, six women were selected to receive $5,000 project grants, and four more were awarded $1,000 grants to support their creative visions.
These visionary artists will be celebrated at a private Wavemakers Grant Kickoff Celebration on Friday, March 29, 2025 at a private location in Austin.
$5,000 Grant Recipients:
Leslie Sisson (of Moving Panoramas)
$1,000 Grant Recipients:
Stella Maxwell (of Stella and the Very Messed)
(An additional $1,000 grant recipient will be selected at the March 29 event from the remaining applicant pool—must be present to win.)
What is the 5 for 5 Grant?
Launched in 2025 by Wavemakers, the 5 for 5 Grant was created to directly support female-identifying musicians age 40+ with funding and strategic support to bring new projects to life.
Each $5K grantee receives:
Direct project funding
One-on-one coaching sessions to support strategy, sustainability, and success
A curated artist asset checklist + PR support
Inclusion in press and promotional campaigns
Community support and connection with fellow grantees
This year’s recipients make up the “First Wave” of grant winners—all based in the Austin, TX area, where Wavemakers was founded. Future initiatives will expand to support women musicians from around the world.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Follow us online for behind-the-scenes footage, updates from grantees, and spotlights on their music and stories as their projects unfold throughout the year.
The names of applicants are kept confidential except for those who receive grants. We announce the names of recipients on our website, press releases, newsletters and social media. Applicants not recommended for funding are notified. Anonymized data regarding applicants may be shared with WWIM partners, used for research purposes and otherwise used in connection with WWIM’s mission. Email addresses may be used to respond to inquiries or other requests, provide grant results, or send periodic newsletters or other communications. WWIM does not sell, trade or rent applicants’ personal information. The data collected will be retained as long as necessary to provide the services of WWIM. If you have any questions, please contact us at contact@wwimusic.com