The Presser Foundation announces $251,000 in new special projects grants to music organizations
This year, music organizations were invited to apply for any one of the following categories: 1) pilot projects/first-time programmatic collaborations, 2) significant anniversary milestones, 3) operating support for newer organizations, and 4) planning grants for efforts to center racial equity. After funding nine planning grants for organizations to center equity last year, The Presser Foundation again extended its guidelines to include that category this year as part of its efforts to center diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nineteen organizations will receive single year support, while four organizations were given multi-year grants.
The Foundation will also honor $12,500 in a previous commitment to Capital Harmony Works.
Peter Burwasser, Chair of the Special Projects Committee, commented on these grants, “This year, the Special Projects Committee was pleased to see a number of music organizations apply for various projects of high artistic quality and a focus on equity within their music programming. From pilot projects featuring diverse artists-in-residence, to a collaboration between a music organization and an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), to an anniversary milestone gift spent on developing a workbook featuring Black musicians and their music, to a pilot program that co-curates a body of repertoire, it is clear that music organizations in Greater Philadelphia are making continuous efforts to create creative programs reflective of our community.”
A full listing by special project category of the nonprofit partners is below.
2022-23 Special Project Grantees (in alphabetical order by category)
Pilot Projects/First-Time Collaboration – $153,500
- ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir
- Beyond the Bars
- Choral Arts Philadelphia
- Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia
- OperaDelaware
- Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
- Piffaro, The Renaissance Band
- PRISM Quartet
- The Crossing
- The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
- Wilmington Children’s Chorus
Significant Anniversary Milestones – $67,500
- Art Sphere
- Delaware County Youth Orchestra
- Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra
- Penn Live Arts
- Singing City
- The Bach Choir of Bethlehem
- Zoellner Arts Center
General Operating Support – $25,000
- Artcinia
- Filament
- SoundingLab
- The Primavera Fund
Racial Equity Support – $5,000
