The Presser Foundation Announces More Than $332,000 in Special Project Grants for Music Organizations
- Pilot Projects: $167,250 awarded to seven organizations
- First-Time Collaborations: $85,000 distributed to four partnerships
- General Operating Support for Newer Music Organizations: $80,500 granted to eleven recipients
Additionally, the Foundation will honor $43,000 in previous commitments, bringing the total impact of $375,750.
Peter Burwasser, Chair of the Special Projects Committee, emphasized the creative vision behind this year’s selections:
“The 2024-25 Special Project grants showcase an extraordinary array of initiatives designed to engage and inspire the Greater Philadelphia community. Standout projects include the launch of the ‘Philadelphia Synth Library,’ a pioneering space dedicated to analog synthesizers and related technologies; an opera company’s innovative resident community artist model; and a groundbreaking collaboration between a music organization and a nonprofit bridging the disability community with cultural arts. These projects exemplify our grantees’ dedication to reimagining the intersections of music, community, and equity.”
Burwasser added, “We’re particularly proud to announce our largest-ever allocation of general operating support to newer music organizations. Each funded entity is committed to creating inclusive environments and sharing music with underrepresented populations. Their thoughtful approaches and missions give us great optimism for a more inclusive musical future.”
2024-25 Special Project Grantees (in alphabetical order by category)
Pilot Projects
- Art Sphere
- Bowerbird
- Crescendo Phoenixville
- Esperanza
- OperaDelaware*
- Piffaro, The Renaissance Band
- PRISM Quartet* with Ars Nova Workshop
- The Crossing* with Artcinia
First-Time Collaborations
- Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra*
- Commonwealth Youthchoirs with Philadelphia Boys and Girls Choir
- Tempesta di Mare
- The Georgia E. Gregory Interdenominational School of Music
General Operating Support
- All Around This World
- Artcinia
- East Passyunk Opera Project
- Elevate Vocal Arts
- Fire Museum Presents
- Liberty Bell Pops
- Mosaic Youth Chorus
- The Heart of Jazz Foundation
- The Primavera Fund
- The Rhythm Mission Inc.
*Denotes multi-year grant
About The Presser Foundation
The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the will of the late 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 considers applications for funding from music organizations working in a broad range of traditions, genres, and styles through general operating and program grants (Greater Philadelphia); capital grants for music building projects (Greater Philadelphia); undergraduate and graduate student awards (national); and assistance to retired music teachers (national). The Foundation is committed to equitable, transparent, and forward-thinking philanthropy. For more information: www.presserfoundation.org.
