The Instrument Fund
To provide (school) bands with application-based funds, specifically for buying instruments. As instruments are expensive, this cost is one of the major issues when organizing a brass band/wind band in Norway. School bands, or bands with a high percentage of youth members, face particular challenges, as the economic resources of parents and their possibility of engaging with their children's extra-curricular activities may be facing pressures. School/youth bands in Norway are nevertheless important contributors in promoting cohesion and social engagement across social borders in communities.
The specific target group are brass/wind bands where ¾ of members are from 7-19 years old. Non-school bands may fall within this limitation, and will in those cases be applicable. This is, however, very rare.
Allocating funds for instrument purchases to applicant bands.
Bands will have an improved average quality of instruments, and the average age of the instruments will diminish, reducing repair and maintenance costs. Lowering costs involved with organising school bands helps keep membership fees down. This upholds band participation as a low-threshold, community-building and non-curricular music education activity.
The Instrument Fund receives its funding and from the proceeds of the Norwegian national lottery, which are allocated by Royal Decree. The proceeds awarded to the Fund in 2016 are USD 1 752 336 (NOK 15 million).