News Release: The Presser Foundation Announces Capital Support Grants
May 2, 2017 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Presser Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of grantees for Capital Support. These grants, totaling $647,500 this fiscal year, are designated for capital projects of music organizations providing a broad range of classical symphonic, chamber, choral and/or vocal music. Capital projects include the construction of new facilities and the renovation or expansion of existing facilities.
Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius, Chair of the Capital Support Committee commented on these grants, “Awardees of this year’s Capital Support grants were selected from among applications of considerable merit representing a wide range of educational and presenting organizations. Building and renovation initiatives approved by the Board were judged to be particularly congruent with founder Theodore Presser’s vision. Applicants established their potential for significant impact on advancing music education, performance, and philanthropy. We congratulate these organizations on their vision and their contributions to their respective communities.”
2016-17 Capital Support Grantees (in alphabetical order)
Bethany College
Cathedral Choir School of Delaware
The Grand Opera House
Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation
Illinois Wesleyan University, Presser Hall*
Kimmel Center, Inc., Academy of Music*
Lebanon Valley College*
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Ohio Wesleyan University, Presser Legacy
Settlement Music School
Stetson University, Presser Hall
Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance
University of Delaware
*Previous Multi-Year Grantee
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.