Introduction & Purpose
The Presser Foundation provides general operating support grants to help ensure that organizations that teach, perform, and present music across our region have flexible funding to sustain and advance their missions. Reflecting our belief that musical experiences foster connection, well-being, and joy, our grants support organizations working in a broad range of musical traditions, genres, and styles, serving dozens of communities across Greater Philadelphia. The Foundation also prioritizes organizations that expand access to music and music education, including those working to reduce barriers to participation and deepen engagement through music.
The Committee for the Advancement of Music oversees this grantmaking area. Grant amounts reflect a range of factors, including organizational budget size and alignment with Foundation priorities, and typically do not exceed $50,000. Grants are primarily single-year awards, though a limited number of multi-year grants are awarded by invitation of the Committee. Applications are due on November 15th, with decisions announced on March 1st; the grant period runs from March 2027 through February 2028. Grant requirements generally include a year-end report. For organizations receiving their first grant, the Foundation typically also requests a site visit or virtual check-in.
In 2025-26, 40% of The Presser Foundation’s distributed funds ($1.52 million/$3.83 million) went to Advancement of Music grants.
Please note: Advancement of Music and Special Projects have been combined into a single general operating support application process for the 2026-27 fiscal year. All eligible applicants for general operating support, regardless of the organization’s age, should apply through Advancement of Music this year.
Eligibility
- Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations primarily focused on music education, performance, or presenting, with the majority of their organizational expenses dedicated to music programming.
- Applicants must have an operating budget of at least $20,000 or have been in existence for a minimum of five years.
- Applicants should have at least one complete year of documented financial information as a 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organization.
- Performing and presenting organizations should offer at least three public programs annually.
- Geography: Organizations that are based in and serve the residents of Greater Philadelphia, limited to the following Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware counties:
- Pennsylvania: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia
- New Jersey: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem
- Delaware: New Castle
- Pre-K-12 schools, post-secondary schools, theater, musical theater, dance, and other non-music organizations are not eligible to apply.
Criteria
1. Organizational Strength
Demonstrated organizational health, stability, and readiness to deliver programs, including appropriate leadership, financial management, and a track record of consistent operations relative to the organization’s size and maturity.
2. Music Programming
Quality, consistency, and international design and delivery of musical programming, including artistic rigor and evidence of organizational learning and improvement over time.
3. Music Access
The degree to which an organization works to expand access to music and/or music education, including how a commitment to access is reflected in participant experience, program design, and community engagement.
Note: While organizations vary in how centrally music access is reflected in their work, the Foundation is increasingly interested in organizations that expand access to music and music education in meaningful ways.
Important Dates
Decision Notification: March 1