Advancement of Music Grants

The Presser Foundation’s Advancement of Music grantmaking program is designed to strengthen the infrastructure of music organizations through flexible general operating support. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to enriching musical life and building community through philanthropic investment. Based in Philadelphia, The Presser Foundation supports music organizations working in a wide array of traditions, genres, and styles, excluding those focused on theater, commercial music theater, dance, or other non-music productions. The funder emphasizes mission-aligned giving rather than program-specific support, promoting sustainability and autonomy among its grantees. The Advancement of Music program provides grant awards typically ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 on an annual basis. In fiscal year 2024–25, approximately 39% of the Foundation’s total giving—amounting to $1.45 million of $3.73 million—was distributed through this program. These grants are intended to support the general operations of music performance, presenting, and education organizations serving pre-collegiate audiences. Examples of eligible organizations include community music schools, youth instrumental and vocal programs, after-school music programs, and music preparatory divisions affiliated with colleges or universities. Accredited colleges or universities within the eligibility geography may only apply if the grant supports their preparatory music programs, not their degree-granting departments. To be eligible, organizations must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. This includes parts of Pennsylvania (including Harrisburg), New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Organizations in the New York and Baltimore metropolitan areas are excluded. While newly formed organizations (less than five years old) may be considered for funding, they are generally evaluated under the Foundation’s Special Projects category. Recipients may receive either single-year or multi-year support, though the latter is only available by invitation from the Advancement of Music committee. Applications are evaluated using a holistic approach that aligns with the Foundation’s Social Justice Statement and core values. Review criteria include the applicant’s organizational strength, community relevance of their music programming, long-term impact, stability, and demonstrated commitment to equitable access to music. The Foundation also values how applicants contribute to the broader music ecosystem. The application process for this grant cycle closes on November 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions by March 1, 2026. There is no pre-application deadline or letter of intent required for this grant. Interested applicants who are new to the Foundation or have questions regarding login access for submission and reporting are encouraged to contact Foundation staff. Teresa Rodgers can be reached at trodgers@presserfoundation.org for program inquiries, and Rachael Gartner at rgartner@presserfoundation.org for application portal access or follow-up assistance. The Advancement of Music program is not a rolling grant and is offered on a recurring basis. The next expected cycle is anticipated to open in November 2026. Applicants are encouraged to assess the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare early, as invitations for multi-year funding are extended only at the discretion of the Foundation committee.

General operating support can be applied flexibly, including toward specific programs, though the application should describe the organization in full.