Introduction & Purpose
The Committee for the Advancement of Music considers requests for grants typically between $2,500 and $50,000 annually for general operating support of music organizations working in a broad range of traditions, genres, and styles. The Trustees of The Presser Foundation established the Advancement of Music grantmaking area to provide flexible funding to music-focused organizations. The Presser Foundation does not support theater, commercial music theater, dance, or other non-music productions.
In 2022-23, 35% of The Presser Foundation’s distributed funds ($1.25 million/$3.58 million) went to Advancement of Music grants.
The Why
Music organizations know their stakeholders best, know their communities best, and know their needs the most. We respect that knowledge and seek to provide the flexible support that they need to pursue their missions.
Important Dates
Decision Notification: March 1, 2024
Eligibility
- Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) music performance, music presenting or music education organizations (pre-collegiate). Pre-collegiate music education organizations include after school music programs, community music schools, music preparatory divisions, and youth instrumental and vocal programs.
- The Foundation does not directly support K-12 schools, but funds nonprofit music organizations that provide music education and music programming.
- Organizations that are in Greater Philadelphia including Pennsylvania (including Harrisburg), New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland and are within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia are eligible to apply. Organizations in the New York and Baltimore metropolitan areas will not be considered for funding.
- Newly established music organizations (within 5 years) are considered under Special Projects.
The Presser Foundation gives single-year and multi-year support. Organizations are invited to apply for multi-year support by the Foundation’s Advancement of Music committee.
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 diversity, equity, inclusion, access, anti-racism, and anti-bigotry 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
FAQs
A: Please contact Teresa Rodgers at trodgers@presserfoundation.org.
Q: I’m the new point person for The Presser Foundation Advancement of Music grant. How do I login to complete follow-ups/reporting or begin a new grant application?
A: Please contact Rachael Gartner at rgartner@presserfoundation.org, and we will help get you set up!
Q: Do I have to be invited to apply for a multiyear grant?
A: Yes – the Advancement Committee will reach out to individual organizations to ask them to apply for a multiyear grant.
Q: Can I apply my general operating support to a specific program?
A: Yes, it is up to you how you want to use it! Just present your organization in its entirety in your application.
Q: I’m an accredited college, university, or independent institution of higher education with a school/department of music outside of the 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Can I apply for Advancement of Music?
A: No, you may not.
Q: I’m an accredited college, university, or independent institution of higher education within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Can I apply for Advancement of Music?
A: You may only apply for Advancement of Music if the grant is for a preparatory music program. You are not eligible for operating support for the school or department of music.
Introduction & Purpose
In 2021-22, 34% of The Presser Foundation’s distributed funds ($1.35 million/$3.96 million) went to Advancement of Music grants.
The Why
Music organizations know their stakeholders best, know their communities best, and know their needs the most. We respect that knowledge and seek to provide the flexible support that they need to pursue their missions.
Important Dates
Decision Notification: March 1, 2023
Eligibility
- Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) music performance, music presenting or music education organizations (pre-collegiate).
- Pre-collegiate music education organizations include after school music programs, community music schools, music preparatory divisions, and youth instrumental and vocal programs.
- Organizations that are in Pennsylvania (including Harrisburg), New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland and are within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia are eligible to apply. Organizations in the New York and Baltimore metropolitan areas will not be considered for funding.
- Newly established music organizations (within 3 years) are considered under Special Projects.
The Presser Foundation gives single-year and multi-year support. Organizations are invited to apply for multi-year support by the Foundation’s Advancement of Music committee.
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 diversity, equity, inclusion, access, anti-racism, and anti-bigotry 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
FAQs
- I’m a new organization to be considered by the Foundation, and I’m interested in applying for Advancement of Music. How do I learn more about The Presser Foundation and this grantmaking area?
- Please contact Teresa Rodgers at trodgers@presserfoundation.org.
- I’m the new point person for The Presser Foundation Advancement of Music grant. How do I login to complete follow-ups/reporting or begin a new grant application?
- Please contact Abby at arolland@presserfoundation.org, and we will help get you set up!
- Do I have to be invited to apply for a multiyear grant?
- Yes – the Advancement Committee will reach out to individual organizations to ask them to apply for a multiyear grant.
- Can I apply my general operating support to a specific program?
- Yes, it is up to you how you want to use it! Just present your organization in its entirety in your application.
- I’m an accredited college, university, or independent institution of higher education with a school/department of music outside of the 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Can I apply for Advancement of Music?
- No, you may not.
- I’m an accredited college, university, or independent institution of higher education within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Can I apply for Advancement of Music?
- You may only apply for Advancement of Music if the grant is for a preparatory music program. You are not eligible for operating support for the school or department of music.