Capital Support
Proposal Deadline: February 1
Decision Notification: May 1
Introduction & Purpose
The Trustees of The Presser Foundation created the Capital Support Committee in 1998 to consider requests for grants typically between $25,000 and $125,000 annually to support a capital project of a music organization which provides a broad range of classical symphonic, chamber, choral and/or vocal music. The Presser Foundation does not support theater, commercial music theater, dance or other non-music focused venues.
Capital projects include the construction of new facilities and renovation, repair or expansion of existing facilities. It does not include grants to cover general operating expenses, equipment and musical instruments. Multi-year requests will be considered. The first grant distribution will be made when construction commences.
Eligibility
– Non-profit, 501(c)(3) music performance, music presenting or music education organizations.
– Pre-collegiate music education organizations include: after school music programs, community music schools, music preparatory divisions and youth instrumental and vocal programs.
– The size and scope of the organization is considered when proposals are reviewed.
– Organizations that are in Pennsylvania (including Harrisburg), New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland and are within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia are eligible to apply.
– Organizations in the New York and Baltimore metropolitan areas will not be considered for funding.
– Grants will be considered at the discretion of Trustees of the Foundation to organizations having a music building previously supported by Theodore Presser, The Presser Foundation, or bearing the name “Presser”, regardless of location. These “legacy” institutions are eligible to receive support for significant capital projects.
– Given the environment of continued uncertainty due to COVID-19, the Capital Support Committee is open to considering proposals including the capital needs of music organizations to support music programming efforts during this current and next fiscal years. Capital needs can include (but are not limited to) hardware, software, equipment and supplies. Applicants are invited to contact Teresa Rodgers, Executive Director, with questions before submitting. TRodgers@presserfoundation.org
Criteria
Proposals will be judged on:
1. the strengths and accomplishments of the applicant organization;
2. the relationship of the project to the applicant’s capabilities and to the needs of the community;
3. the long term impact of the project on the applicant and the community; and
4. the value and feasibility of the project.
Online Grant Management
The Presser Foundation uses an online grant management system powered by Foundant. The system allows for all prospective and current grantees to submit proposals and reports online.
Theodore Presser (1848 – 1925) rose from humble beginnings to become a respected music teacher and publisher. Familiar with the many challenges facing musicians, he established The Presser Foundation which supports music performance and education through undergraduate and graduate scholar awards, operating and program support for music organizations, capital grants for music building projects, and assistance to retired music teachers.
The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. It is our hope that every institution, organization and individual funded by The Presser Foundation will read about the rich history of The Foundation and the inspiring biography of Theodore Presser.