The Presser Foundation Commits $1.1 Million in Capital Support Grants
These grants are designated for capital projects of music presenting, music performing, and music educating organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Capital projects include the construction of new facilities, the renovation or expansion of existing facilities, and organizations’ equipment, technology, hardware, and software needs as they create innovative, uplifting, and diverse music programming.
Chris Rinaldi, Chair of the Capital Support Committee, commented on these grants, “The Presser Foundation is proud to support these essential capital projects that strengthen our region’s musical ecosystem. From ensuring ADA accessibility and safer facilities to upgrading technology and performance spaces, these investments enable organizations to better serve their communities through music education and performance. We recognize that behind every upgraded lighting system, new riser, or renovated space is an opportunity to remove barriers to musical excellence and broaden participation. By investing in these infrastructure needs, we’re helping to create sustainable musical futures for organizations and the diverse communities they serve.”
2024-25 Capital Support Grantees (in alphabetical order by category)
Capital Needs – $102,120 in one-year grants
- Allentown Symphony Association – $25,000
- Berks Opera Company – $620
- Bowerbird – $5,000
- Cantus Novus – $5,000
- Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project (EMEAPP) – $11,500
- Esperanza – $7,500
- Network for New Music – $5,000
- Philadelphia Sinfonia Association – $5,000
- Singing City – $12,500
- Westrick Music Academy – $5,000
- WXPN – $20,000
Large Capital Projects – $997,000 in one- and multi-year grants
- Beyond the Bars – $7,000
- Community Music School of Collegeville – $30,000 multi-year grant
- Curtis Institute of Music – $100,000 multi-year grant
- Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute – $75,000 multi-year grant
- Rutgers University – $20,000
- Temple University – $100,000
- The College of New Jersey – $40,000
- The Mann Center for the Performing Arts – $200,000 multi-year grant
- University of Delaware – $75,000 multi-year grant
- West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance – $75,000
- WRTI90.1FM – $275,000 multi-year grant
Previous & Deferred Capital Project Commitments
About The Presser Foundation
The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late music publisher Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. The Presser Foundation supports music organizations working in a broad range of traditions, genres, and styles through general operating and program grants to music organizations; capital grants for music building projects; undergraduate and graduate student awards; and assistance to retired music teachers. Much of the grant making focus of the Foundation is on organizations and institutions in the 75-mile radius surrounding Center City Philadelphia.
