Introduction & Purpose
In his will, Theodore Presser stated that the construction of buildings for musical purposes would contribute to sustaining the future of music education and performance. In that spirit, The Presser Foundation provides capital funding to help music buildings and spaces become more functional, more accessible, more collaborative, and more innovative – enhancing the learning and performance experience for students, audiences, and musicians.
The Capital Support Committee considers grant requests, typically between $5,000 and $100,000 annually, from music organizations working in a broad range of traditions, genres, and styles. The Foundation does not support theater, commercial music theater, dance, or other non-music-focused venues.
Capital projects include the construction of new facilities; renovation, repair, or expansion of existing facilities; and capital needs, including (but not limited to) hardware, software, and equipment.
Capital Support grants don’t cover general operating expenses, musical instruments, supplies, or regular, annual maintenance projects.
Examples of projects that have received funding:
- Construction of a new music building
- Renovation of a room to be used to house music scores
- Upgrades to audio, video, and lighting equipment
- Purchase of an outdoor screen
- Purchase of the software GarageBand for after-school students
- Purchase of recording studio equipment
In 2025-26, 23% of The Presser Foundation’s distributed funds ($861,500/$3.83 million) went to Capital Support grants.
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, theater, musical theater, dance, and other non-music production organizations are not eligible to apply.
*Note: Grants will be considered to organizations having a music building or other facilities previously supported by Theodore Presser or The Presser Foundation, and bearing the name “Presser Hall,” regardless of location. These “legacy” institutions are eligible to receive up to $25,000 of support for significant capital building projects.
Criteria
- The strengths and accomplishments of the applicant organization
- The relationship between the music programming of the applicant organization and the needs of the community(ies) served
- The applicant organization’s history and stability, as well as its long-term impact on the community
- How a commitment to equitable access to music is reflected in the applicant organization
- The value and feasibility of the applicant organization’s programs
- The contribution of the applicant organization to the overall music community
Important Dates
Decision Notification: May 1