Dolly Parton Songwriters Award

The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual nationwide songwriting competition that awards grants to emerging songwriters. Established in 2015 (originally as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship), the award grants $20,000 to up to two individuals to support professional expenses. It accepts original song entries in genres including Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, and roots. Past judges have included Grammy winners and music industry professionals.

$20,000 grant for up to two recipients to cover professional expenses such as study, instrument purchase, and recording costs.

Ages 17 to 24; residents of the United States or its territories; one application per BMI Foundation awards program; work must not be assigned to any major music publisher or major record label; previous winners are ineligible (honorable mentions may reapply).

Prepare an original song in the specified genres, complete and submit the application form including the song entry, and submit by the deadline.