News Release: The Presser Foundation Announces Special Projects Grants
December 23, 2019 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Presser Foundation is pleased to announce the selection and funding of fourteen new Special Projects from music organizations in the greater Philadelphia area. These grants, totaling $131,000, are in addition to a previous commitment of $20,000 to Settlement Music School on behalf of long-time and retiring Trustees. Peter Burwasser, Chair of the Special Projects Committee, commented “The Presser Foundation is pleased to support, under revised grant guidelines, special project grants including organization milestones, general operating support for new organizations to the Foundation, pilot programs and first-time artistic collaborations. Music curriculum development, anniversary performances, and unique partnerships comprise the list of projects supported.”
Special Project Grants: (in alphabetical order)
Allentown Symphony Association
Art Sphere, Inc.
Chester Children’s Chorus
Choir School of Delaware
Intercultural Journeys
Mamadele Foundation
Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus
The Dryden Ensemble
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Wilmington Concert Opera
Symphony in C
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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.