A budget template for local Make Music Vermont chapters, with sample budgets and Vermont-specific guidance.
Overview
This template provides a framework for planning your local Make Music Day chapter budget. A Make Music Vermont chapter can run effectively on a modest budget — or even minimal funds. Adapt the line items to fit your community's needs and available resources.
Start Small: You don't need a large budget to run a successful Make Music Day. Many events cost nothing — musicians volunteer and venues provide space for free.
Sample Budget: Small Chapter (~$4,500)
Based on Make Music Hartford FY20
Expenses
Expense Category | Budget | Notes |
Printing | $600 | Posters and postcards/flyers |
Banners | $700 | Location/hub banners for visibility |
Food & Beverage | $700 | Committee appreciation and after party |
Fees | $550 | Make Music Alliance membership dues, permits |
Photo/Video | $500 | Documentation expenses (labor can be volunteer) |
Supplies | $300 | Kazoos, instruments for spotlight events |
Volunteers | $600 | T-shirts/swag for volunteers, staff, committee |
Admin | $520 | Administrative overhead (~13% of expenses) |
Total | $4,470 |
Sample Budget: Medium Chapter with Stipends (~$4,500)
Based on Make Music Long Beach FY22
Expenses
Item | Description | Budget | |
MMA Fee | Make Music Alliance Fee (matchmaking platform, collateral, sponsor benefits) | $350 | |
Videography/Photography | Day-of video interviews, live streaming | $500 | |
Media | Radio audio and editing | $500 | |
Printing | Flyers ($100), Banners ($200), Balloons ($100) | $400 | |
Miscellaneous Supplies | Banner roll tape, support hardware, helium, etc. | $300 | |
Musician Stipends | 10 acts @ $200 each | $2,000 | |
Fiscal Management | Fiscal Management Fee (10%) | $405 | |
Total Expenses | $4,455 |
Revenue
Source | Description | Budget |
Municipal Sponsorship | Sponsorship grant | $2,000 |
City Council/Select Board | Sponsorship | $1,000 |
Arts Council Microgrant | Microgrant | $1,000 |
Other | Additional sponsors, donations | $500 |
Total Revenue | $4,500 |
Vermont Adaptations
What You Might Not Need
- Insurance fees — If you're operating under an existing organization (arts council, municipality), insurance may already be covered
- Venue fees — Make Music Day typically uses free locations: porches, parks, sidewalks, general stores
- Sound equipment — Most events are acoustic; gear can often be donated or provided in-kind
Vermont-Specific Considerations
- Smaller scale — Rural Vermont chapters may have significantly smaller budgets
- Travel/mileage — Vermont's spread-out geography may require mileage reimbursement for organizers
- Weather contingency — Consider modest funds for backup indoor locations
Vermont-Specific Funding Sources
Potential Sponsors
- Vermont Arts Council grants
- Local Select Boards/City Councils
- Regional Development Corporations
- Local businesses and credit unions
- Community foundations
- Tourism boards
In-Kind Support
- Local radio stations for media partnerships
- Print shops for discounted materials
- Volunteer photographers/videographers
- Local venues providing space
- Music shops for instrument loans
Budget Planning Tips
Key Considerations
- Musician Stipends — Consider whether to offer stipends. Some chapters pay performers; others rely entirely on volunteers. Both models work.
- Fiscal Sponsorship — If your chapter isn't a registered nonprofit, consider partnering with a local arts organization as your fiscal sponsor (typically 5-10% fee).
- Printing Costs — Many print shops offer nonprofit discounts. Ask!
- MMA Fee — The Make Music Alliance fee provides access to the national platform, marketing materials, and sponsor benefits. This is optional but recommended.
- Buffer — Always aim for revenue slightly above expenses for unexpected costs.
Cost-Saving Tips
Photography & Video
- Recruit emerging photographers looking to build portfolios
- Keep with the volunteer spirit of Make Music Day
- Provide photo credit and social media exposure as compensation
Printed Materials
- Partner with local print shops for sponsorship or discounts
- Use digital promotion to reduce print needs
- Design simple materials that can be photocopied locally
Venues & Equipment
- All locations should be free — that's the Make Music Day model
- Gear donations from local music shops or musicians
- In-kind contributions from venue partners
Blank Budget Template
Expenses
Item | Description | Budget | Actual |
MMA Fee | |||
Videography/Photography | |||
Media/Radio | |||
Printing | |||
Banners/Signage | |||
Supplies | |||
Volunteer Appreciation | |||
Musician Stipends | |||
Food & Beverage | |||
Fiscal Management | |||
TOTAL |
Revenue
Source | Description | Budget |
TOTAL |
Key Takeaway
A Make Music Vermont chapter can run effectively on a modest budget. Focus spending on visibility (banners, printing), volunteer appreciation, and essential fees. Let the community provide the rest through participation and in-kind support.
Adapted from Make Music Hartford and Make Music Long Beach budgets for Make Music Vermont