NYC Opera Grants

The NYC Opera Grants: Support for Small-Budget Organizations is a competitive two-year grant opportunity administered by OPERA America with funding support from the Howard Gilman Foundation. The program is specifically designed to strengthen opera organizations operating within New York City that have annual budgets under $250,000. It focuses on strategic investments that can increase the administrative or programmatic capacity of these small-budget entities. Eligible projects may include improvements in areas such as marketing, fundraising, production, artistic programming, education, community engagement, and personnel. Applicants may select up to two focus areas and are expected to articulate how their proposed investments will contribute to the organization’s long-term goals. These grants do not require matching funds, and funds may be used for a wide range of eligible expenses including artist fees, consulting services, salaries, technology, venue rentals, and advertising. A total of 8 to 12 grants will be awarded for between $10,000 and $30,000 over two years ($5,000 to $15,000 per year). The eligibility criteria require that applicants be incorporated 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations located in one of New York City's five boroughs. Organizations must have both expenses and revenues under $250,000 in their most recent fiscal year and must engage primarily with opera as defined by OPERA America. Past programming must be demonstrable within the 12 months prior to applying. Membership in OPERA America is not required. Annual Howard Gilman Foundation grantees are ineligible, and recipients of this grant are restricted from applying to the foundation directly until after the grant term ends. Applications are reviewed by a diverse, independent panel of opera professionals familiar with New York City’s arts ecosystem. Panelists will assess proposals based on four dimensions: mission and community service, alignment between project and goals, strength of planning, and connection between budget and strategy. Cultural humility will be a guiding principle throughout the review. The application process is split into two phases. An intent to apply form must be submitted by September 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Only applicants who complete this form may submit a full application, which is due by October 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Notification of awards will be made in December 2025. The grant period runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. First-year funds will be disbursed by January 31, 2026. Second-year disbursement is contingent upon participation in cohort activities and a mid-cycle meeting with OPERA America staff. Throughout the grant period, recipients are expected to collaborate as a cohort, share experiences, and engage in tailored professional development. Final reporting requirements include either a written report or a conversation with OPERA America staff to discuss outcomes and learnings. Awardees must also acknowledge support from OPERA America and the Howard Gilman Foundation in all related materials. For additional information, applicants may contact OPERA America’s grants team at Grants@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5258.

Applicants should focus on strategic use of funds and clear alignment with long-term goals. Compensation for artists is required.