New Music Inc Incubator Program

New Music Inc is a regional incubator program operated by New Music USA, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting and championing new music in all its forms. This initiative provides tailored funding and developmental support to small-budget, artist-led music groups and organizations, particularly at critical stages of their growth. For the 2025 cycle, New Music Inc is focused on Los Angeles County, where it will support ten local organizations. The current implementation is backed by The Music Man Foundation and the Perenchio Foundation, and follows prior program cohorts in New York City, Baltimore, and Chicago. The program combines flexible general operating support with hands-on strategic planning and mentorship over a 17-month period. Each selected group will receive a $10,000 general support grant, disbursed in two installments, along with access to a structured cohort learning environment. The program includes eight learning sessions, split between virtual and in-person formats, dedicated mentorship by Los Angeles-based arts professionals, four individualized check-ins with the Program Coordinator, and up to $4,000 for travel exchanges with peer groups from previous cohorts in other cities. Los Angeles Performance Practice (LAPP), a nonprofit focused on multidisciplinary performance, will coordinate this local cohort. New Music Inc does not require 501(c)(3) status and is open to a diverse array of collectives, ensembles, and music-centered organizations, provided they have been active for at least three years and have an average budget between $10,000 and $500,000. The program places particular emphasis on supporting groups with budgets under $250,000. All applicant organizations must be based in Los Angeles County and able to commit fully to the 17-month program, which runs from September 2025 to December 2026. Attendance at all convenings is mandatory. Applications for the 2025 cycle open on June 25, 2025, and are due by July 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm PST. An informational webinar will be held on July 9, 2025, and a follow-up Q&A session is scheduled for July 23, 2025. Both will be recorded and made available for later viewing. Awards will be announced in early September 2025. All communications related to application status will be sent via email. The selection process emphasizes artistic merit, organizational impact, demonstrated need, and capacity for growth. Applicants must provide a detailed narrative, financial statements, programming history, work samples, and organizational background. Specific narrative questions explore the group’s programming highlights, challenges, developmental trajectory, and intended outcomes from the program. All applicants must also identify a key person who will be responsible for participating in program activities. For technical support during the application process, applicants can contact grants@newmusicusa.org with "Technical Issue" in the subject line. However, New Music USA does not provide feedback on applications or accept late submissions. This program is intended as a catalytic support initiative, helping organizations develop long-term sustainability strategies rather than serving as a source of recurring funding.

Attend webinar July 9 or Q&A July 23 for support. Applications must be complete and submitted by deadline.