Grant Application for
Big Water Creative Arts
Mission Statement:
Big Water Creative Arts (BWCA or Big Water) shares the joy of music through education, instruction, and performances that build community and improve the quality of life for youth, students with cognitive impairments, and lifelong learners across Northern Michigan.
BWCA achieves its mission by providing free, accessible music education programs throughout Emmet and neighboring counties, ensuring that all students, including girls and women, have opportunities for creative expression, skill-building, and personal growth. These programs foster confidence, collaboration, and a sense of accomplishment that supports overall well-being.
Current program offerings include Rock Jam, Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, Ukulele, Songwriting, and Music Exploration classes. Girls are active participants across all BWCA programs. During the 2024–2025 school year, the Petoskey and Alanson Rock Jam programs had approximately 50% female participation, with girls serving as lead guitarists, bassists, and keyboard players. Girls comprise approximately one-third of participants in the Rock Jam, Jazz Lab, and Jazz Combo programs. The Ukulele class was comprised of slightly more than 50% female participants. Music Exploration classes serve students of all genders with disabilities enrolled in school-based and other organizational programs. Big Water does not control the enrollment or recruitment for the special education classrooms.
By providing a supportive and creative space for girls to develop musical skills, leadership capacity, and community connections, BWCA equips participants with experiences that foster confidence, self-expression, and a foundation for future success. With support from the Hestia Women’s Giving Circle, BWCA will continue to expand these opportunities, strengthening the well-being and resilience of girls and women across rural Northern Michigan communities.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
81-1815580
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Cindy
McSurely
Address:
P.O. Box 124, Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone Number:
2318383073
Project Name:
Expanding Music Opportunities for Girls and Women
Project start and end dates:
August 1, 2025
April 30, 2026
Amount Requested:
$
4000
Project Description:
Big Water Creative Arts has prioritized reaching more students as a strategic goal for the 2025–2026 school year. Through this grant, BWCA will focus on increasing female participation across its free Rock Jam, Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, Ukulele, and Songwriting programs. Grant funds will underwrite class delivery and support outreach efforts, including new promotional materials featuring current students to encourage broader enrollment.
To further expand representation, BWCA will also work to recruit women musicians as teaching artists and mentors. Programs foster musical skill development, creative expression, and peer connection, culminating in an annual showcase where students from across the region perform, inspire one another, and celebrate their achievements. Through these efforts, BWCA will create more opportunities for girls and young women to develop musical skills, build leadership, and cultivate a lasting engagement with the arts.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
150
What percentage are female?
50
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
Big Water Creative Arts provides free, accessible music education programs that serve all genders; however, Hestia funding will specifically help expand opportunities and representation for girls and young women. A portion of the funds will underwrite the cost of delivering free classes in Rock Jam, Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, Ukulele, and Songwriting programs, where girls are active but remain underrepresented in some instrumental roles. National research shows that girls are historically underrepresented in band-based, jazz, and rock instrumental programs, particularly in guitar, bass, and percussion tracks (Women’s International Music Network, 2023; National Association for Music Education [NAfME], 2022).
The organization will also use funds to support targeted outreach efforts, promoting real-time images of female students and encouraging more girls to enroll. As part of its strategic priorities for the next school year, BWCA will actively recruit additional teaching artists, with a particular focus on engaging women musicians as instructors and mentors. Together, these efforts will grow participation, leadership opportunities, and community connections for girls and young women across rural Northern Michigan.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Big Water carefully considers community and student needs when selecting program locations. BWCA prioritizes schools where access to arts education is limited and financial barriers may restrict participation. All classes are free and open to any student, ensuring equitable access regardless of income.
Most programs, including Rock Jam, Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, Ukulele, and Songwriting, are offered after school, providing a safe and creative enrichment opportunity. Music Exploration classes serve students with cognitive impairments during the school day, reaching another underserved population.
BWCA partners closely with school administrators to identify opportunities, integrate programming, and share information with families through BWCA and school newsletters and parent channels. By removing financial barriers and fostering strong school partnerships, BWCA ensures that music education remains accessible to students who might not otherwise have creative opportunities.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
Big Water Creative Arts is working to involve more women and girls in its free music education programs, including Rock Jam, Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, Ukulele, and Songwriting. BWCA’s goal is to expand opportunities for leadership, creativity, and personal growth for girls across rural Northern Michigan.
Research shows that participation in music education supports confidence, academic achievement, emotional well-being, and leadership development, particularly for girls and young women (National Association for Music Education, 2022; American Psychological Association, 2019). Opportunities to perform, collaborate, and take on visible roles, such as being an instrumentalist or songwriting, build skills that contribute directly to future educational, professional, and community success.
This project directly supports Hestia’s mission by promoting the self-sufficiency, leadership, and well-being of women and girls. By creating inclusive, supportive spaces for musical growth and self-expression, BWCA aims to strengthen the resilience and empowerment of girls and young women throughout the region.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
Big Water will measure success by tracking the number and percentage increase of girls and young women participating in programs compared to the previous year. Success will also be evaluated through the recruitment of additional women as instructors, participation of female students in the annual showcase, and basic outreach engagement metrics. Student feedback will be gathered through short surveys and anecdotal input from instructors and school partners, focusing on skill development, enjoyment, and students' interest in continuing music education. Together, these measures will demonstrate progress toward building stronger, more inclusive musical communities for girls and women.
Thank you for your consideration!
Grant Project Budget Form
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