Dolly Parton Songwriters Award

Scholarship Sponsored by BMI Foundation

Dolly Parton Songwriters Award — a clear overview (for students thinking about applying) What this award is - An annual, nationwide songwriting competition for emerging writers. - Established in 2015 (originally called the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship) by BMI to mark their 75th anniversary. - Funded in part by a lead gift from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and a contribution from Luke Combs. What the award can be used for - The award is meant to support a developing career, not just schooling. Winners may use the money for study, buying an instrument, recording costs, or other professional expenses — it’s not restricted to tuition. Prize and musical scope - Up to two of the best original song entries can each receive $20,000. - Eligible genres: Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, and roots. - Past judges have included respected industry figures such as Kacey Musgraves, Rodney Clawson, and Mark Brown. Eligibility — the essentials All applicants must meet every item below: 1. Be between 17 and 24 years old on February 15, 2025. 2. Live in the United States or a U.S. territory. 3. Submit only one application per BMI Foundation awards program. 4. Not submit the same musical work to more than one BMI Foundation awards program. 5. Only submit works that have not been assigned to a major music publisher or major record label. 6. Not be a previous winner of the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award or the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship (honorable-mention recipients may apply again). Rules for co-written songs If your song has more than one writer, follow these rules exactly: 1. A co-written work can include no more than three writers total (the writer of record plus up to two co-writers). 2. Every co-writer must meet the eligibility criteria above. 3. One songwriter must be listed as the “writer of record” and submit the application. - A songwriter may be the writer of record on only one submission. - A writer of record and their co-writers may still appear as co-writers on other submissions. 4. If a co-written entry wins, the award will be split evenly among the credited co-writers; each co-writer will receive their share. 5. Only songwriters should be listed as co-writers. Do not list performers, producers, or other non-writing contributors. Quick checklist before you apply - Confirm your age and residency. - Make sure your song isn’t already assigned to a major publisher or label. - If you co-wrote the song, confirm every co-writer meets eligibility and that you’re the writer of record for only one submission. - Decide how you’d use the award if you win — judges like to see that applicants have thought about next steps. If you want, I can help turn this checklist into a printable application worksheet or walk through a mock application with you.