Amphion Grant Program

The Amphion Foundation, Inc. administers the Amphion Grant Program, which supports the performance and dissemination of contemporary concert music. Founded to encourage the work of American composers and foster artistic excellence, the Foundation focuses its grantmaking on organizations with a proven commitment to music written within the past fifty years. The program is structured to sustain both performing and presenting organizations, as well as service and advocacy groups that play vital roles in supporting composers and performers. The overarching goal is to promote contemporary concert music and expand public access to it through diverse performance and program opportunities. The grant program is divided into two cycles each year. The Spring cycle is reserved for performing organizations such as chamber ensembles, orchestras, opera companies, ballet or dance companies, choral ensembles, and experimental performance groups. The Fall cycle is open to other eligible organizations including music service organizations, professional development and training initiatives, artist residency programs, libraries and archives, festivals, radio and television groups, and presenters. Performing organizations are required to apply only in the Spring cycle unless they seek support for a separate qualifying program under Fall eligibility, which must be pre-approved by the Foundation. Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be publicly supported nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or the equivalent, or apply through fiscal sponsorship. Organizations must demonstrate at least two years of performance or programmatic activity and maintain operating budgets of $10 million or less, unless they seek project-specific support with advance approval from the Foundation. International applicants may also apply but must focus exclusively on contemporary American concert music. General operating support is available for organizations with sustained commitment to this field, while project support is intended for unique initiatives outside normal programming. Funding ranges generally from $1,500 to $7,500, with larger awards possible for significant projects or large organizations showing exceptional dedication. The Foundation does not support individuals, for-profit entities without sponsorship, volunteer or amateur ensembles, student groups, educational institutions presenting student activity, or projects outside contemporary concert music such as pop, jazz, sacred, holiday, or traditional concert band works. Applications involving youth choruses may be considered if focused on works specifically written for children’s voices. Commissioning fees, endowments, and composition competitions are also excluded unless connected to broader eligible activity. Applications are submitted online following an account approval process. Prospective applicants must request an account by September 19, 2025, for the Fall 2025 cycle. Once approved, applicants create an organization profile, complete application questions, and provide supporting materials such as IRS documentation, financial reports, lists of board members, programming history, performance samples, and repertoire details. Applicants seeking support for performances must submit audio samples from recent seasons, and in some cases video or score samples are encouraged. The deadline for the Fall 2025 cycle is September 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with funding decisions announced around January 2026. Review criteria include artistic quality, consistency of commitment to contemporary music, financial capacity to deliver the season or project, potential impact on dissemination of contemporary music, financial need, and community engagement, particularly regarding diverse and underserved populations. The Foundation emphasizes programming that reflects the communities served and celebrates a wide spectrum of creators. Applicants with questions are encouraged to review the FAQ or contact the Grants Team by phone at 212-461-6956 or email at grantsmanager@amphionfoundation.org during business hours. Updated guidelines for the program were last issued on July 3, 2025, and applicants are reminded of legal responsibilities for submitted materials.

Save work frequently, submit account requests early, ensure recordings are recent and properly formatted, contact Grants Team for unclear eligibility.