Let The Music Play Grant Program Application Now Open

MILWAUKEE, WI (October 1, 2025) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF), in partnership with American Family Insurance, is excited to announce the opening of applications for the “Let The Music Play” grant program. Local non-profit organizations and school-based music education programs are encouraged to apply by the deadline on October 31, 2025.

Since its launch, the program has awarded over 50 music education grants, positively impacting hundreds of students each year. Grant funds have helped schools and organizations purchase instruments, sound and recording equipment, cultural dance attire, and more. Past recipients include Rufus King High School, Bembé Drum & Dance, Girls Rock MKE, La Causa Charter School, Woodlands Elementary School, Milwaukee High School of the Arts, and TRUE Skool, among others.

“Through our ongoing collaboration with American Family Insurance, we are proud to invest in Milwaukee’s youth by strengthening music education opportunities,” said Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “These grants provide important resources directly into classrooms, performances spaces and the broader community.”

“We’re proud to partner again with Summerfest to support young and talented artists in the Milwaukee area through organizations and schools that offer music programs and education,” said Sherina Smith, American Family chief marketing officer. “At American Family our mission is to inspire, protect and restore the dreams of our customers, and sponsorship of the Let The Music Play program demonstrates our commitment to communities and to the dreams of our youth, as they discover new and exciting possibilities.”

The “Let The Music Play” grant program is open to non-profit organizations and schools that serve Milwaukee County youth through music-based programming. Applications are welcomed from a wide range of activities, including band, orchestra, jazz, choral groups, musical theater, dance, and more.

For more information visit Summerfest.com

About Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is an independent, private 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1965 that produces Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance, a three-weekend music festival featuring over 600 artists across 12 stages. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. also maintains and improves Henry Maier Festival Park, a permanent festival park, located on 75 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee, WI. Henry Maier Festival Park hosts millions of visitors throughout its season through a variety of ethnic and cultural festivals, concerts, walks, runs, and other special events. The mission of the organization is to promote an understanding of different ethnic cultures and celebrate the unique histories and traditions of various nationalities, bolster civic pride and provide a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation for the public and offer employment opportunities for the youth of the community. For more details, visit MilwaukeeWorldFestival.com, Facebook.com/MilwaukeeWorldFestival, or Instagram: @MilwaukeeWorldFestival.

About American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance, a mutual holding company based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance Group is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 202 on the Fortune 500 list. The Group has a current ‘a+’ credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a “Standing the Test of Time” company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of ‘A’ or better for 75 years. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance Group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance and has approximately 11,000 employees nationwide.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.