CMA Ensemble Forward Program in New York

Chamber Music America’s Ensemble Forward program is a funding initiative dedicated to supporting ensembles that perform Western European classical and/or contemporary chamber music and are based within New York City’s five boroughs. Designed to assist ensembles at pivotal stages in their development, the program offers strategic assistance to help them strengthen their organizational capacity and adapt to a complex and evolving cultural environment. The program’s emphasis is on long-term career sustainability, organizational planning, and expanding audience engagement. Through Ensemble Forward, Chamber Music America (CMA) provides grants of $10,000 to eligible ensembles. The grant is intended to fund consultant-driven projects that focus on business structure and development. Each award must be split evenly: up to $5,000 can be used to compensate consultants, while at least $5,000 must support the ensemble’s own project implementation activities, such as internal planning and coordination. All projects must be completed within the designated grant period, which runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Matching funds are not required, but if a project exceeds $10,000, applicants must describe how they will fund the excess amount. All grantees are required to participate in CMA’s Learning Residentials, which are curated professional development sessions facilitated by composers, presenters, and business experts. These sessions are tailored to each ensemble’s needs and may address topics such as organizational management, taxes, fundraising, marketing, and copyright. The Learning Residentials will be conducted virtually, and grantees must also participate in in-person events during National Chamber Music Month in May, held in New York City. In addition to the workshops, grantees must engage in periodic check-ins with CMA staff. To be eligible, applicant ensembles must be based in one of the five boroughs of New York City and consist of between two and ten musicians. The group may operate as a fixed ensemble, a collective, or a flexible roster, provided it stays within the ten-member limit. A minimum of one ensemble member must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The primary contact for the grant must also reside in New York City and will be responsible for grant management and compliance. The program is open to ensembles at any career stage—emerging, mid-career, or established—as long as they perform Western European classical or contemporary chamber music and are in good standing with CMA. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate how their proposed project will enhance their organizational capacity, increase access to chamber music, and engage new or existing audiences. Projects must involve one or two U.S.-based business consultants with relevant expertise. CMA does not provide direct recommendations for consultants, although applicants may reach out for general guidance. The application must be submitted via CMA’s Submittable portal no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Required components include a written application outlining the project and its objectives, a consultant proposal, consultant resumes, a representative audio sample, and a project budget. The panel review process will evaluate applications based on written narrative (70%), budget (20%), and audio quality (10%). Award notifications will be made in December 2025, and grant funds will be disbursed in two parts: 80% upon execution of the grant agreement and 20% after final reporting. All funds are considered taxable income, and recipients must comply with all relevant laws and reporting requirements.

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