Nashville Songwriting Scholarship

The Nashville Songwriting Scholarship (now known as the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award) provides financial assistance for continuing study to songwriters of country music. The award offers $20,000 for up to two of the best original song entries in any of the following genres: Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, or roots. The awards can be used as a career grant for study, instrument purchase, recording costs, or other professional expenses and are not restricted to tuition costs. The award was established in 2015 as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship by BMI to celebrate the company's 75th Anniversary year. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 24 as of February 15, 2026, and must be in residence in the United States or its territories. Application requires one audio file and lyric sheet of an original song. Deadline: January 15, 2026.