By Abby Rolland When it comes to foundation work, a great deal of it happens behind closed doors. In this blog post, we seek to be open and transparent about The Presser Foundation’s internal grant application and review process. For this post, we will be referring to a grant given from one of the Foundation’s…
By Abby Rolland According to recent statistics, there are approximately 1.54 million nonprofits in the U.S. Nonprofit structure can take many forms. There is, of course, the traditional and well-known 501(c)(3) public charity – in 2016, approximately 2/3 of all registered nonprofits were classified as public charities. Then, there are organizations who are 501(c)(4)s (civic…
By Dr. Lavell Blackwell Invited annually, graduate schools of music present the Presser Graduate Music Award to an outstanding graduate music student whom they select. The program is designed to encourage and support in a special way the advanced education and career of truly exceptional graduate music students who have the potential to make a distinguished…
By Dr. Kirsten Kunkle, Wilmington Concert Opera Artistic Director As a guest blogger, I would like to delve into the story behind one of the most exciting new works coming to Wilmington this year – the world premiere of the opera “Girondines” from the exclusively women and BIPOC-founded company Wilmington Concert Opera (WCO). If you…
By Abby Rolland As part of The Presser Foundation’s goal to best serve our partners, we review and adapt our applications and reports every year based on current circumstances and trends. Research and best practice in the foundation space recommends that applications and reports are simple and straightforward so that nonprofits spend less time answering…
The Presser Foundation thanks Cameron Barton of Washington State University for writing this letter to us in the spring of 2021. By Cameron Barton, 2020-2021 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award Recipient I am incredibly proud to be the recipient of a 2020-2021 WSU Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award in Music this year. My name is Cameron Barton,…
By Abby Rolland “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That phrase resonates with The Presser Foundation as we seek to center equity and end systemic inequities. We began our equity journey in 2019 and accelerated it after George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. You can learn more about the “why”…
By Julia (Maurer) Gregory Toward the end of the Spring 2022 semester at Arcadia University, The Presser Foundation staff graciously extended an internship offer to me for the role of the Special Projects Intern for this summer. My time here has provided me with rewarding experiences like creating an archive from scratch. As I…
By Joseph Richards This is the 2nd post in a 2-part series about The Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers. Read Part 1 here. Love in the Home At times, the Presser Home celebrated more than camaraderie and an appreciation for music; it celebrated love as well. At times, married couples who were…
By Joseph Richards Designed by Henry E. Baton, The Presser Home for Retired Teachers was built in 1914, next to Theodore Presser’s personal home. The two properties were then altered, into the three story, H-shaped building seen in many photographs. That building still stands today. Casa di Riposo per Musicisti Inspiration in Creating a Home…