Background

In January 2017, the Butler School unveiled the Rainwater Fund for American Music, a newly established $5 million endowment created by the late UT alumnus Richard E. Rainwater (B.A., Mathematics, 1966), a Fort Worth investor and fund adviser.  The ambition of Mr. Rainwater’s fund is to advance the study of music produced by Americans — from roots to jazz to film music to the concert hall — at The University of Texas at Austin. The gift significantly enhances the Butler School of Music’s capacity to be a fulcrum of research, study and practice of American music past, present and future.

As promised, the Rainwater Innovation Grants have the most immediate impact on students. Successful proposals for this grant aim to challenge the usual way of doing things and reach unexpected audiences, thus advancing the field of music in a provocative and productive way.

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Applying for a Rainwater Grant

Applications are available beginning on September 15, 2025. The application can be found here.

Applications are due by 5pm CT on October 15, 2025. All application materials should be submitted here.

We will also be hosting an informational meeting on Friday, October 3, in MRH 2.614 from 3:30-4:30pm. If you plan to apply for a Rainwater Innovation Grant, your attendance is encouraged.

Note that even though the Rainwater Fund supports these grants, the content of your project does not necessarily have to deal with music of the Americas. Innovation is the point. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply!

If you received a grant last year, you will not be eligible again until the following year, as we want to spread the opportunity around as much as possible.
(i.e. If you receive a grant in the 2024-25 academic year, you will not be eligible again to apply until Fall 2026.)