Special Project Grant Program

The Special Projects Grant offered by The Presser Foundation is a targeted funding initiative established to support music organizations whose needs and initiatives fall outside the Foundation’s core grantmaking areas. This grant program is managed by the Special Projects Committee, a body of Trustees specifically designated to review proposals that reflect exceptional circumstances or emerging priorities within the music sector. The Foundation, rooted in a mission to strengthen music and build community, allocates a portion of its annual funding—9% in the fiscal year 2024–25, equating to $320,230 out of $3.73 million—to this initiative. This grant opportunity focuses on two primary areas: general operating support for newly established music organizations (defined as being up to five years old), and resilience funding for small music nonprofits that have been adversely affected by shifts in government policy or reductions in public funding. General operating support enables younger organizations to build capacity and ensure sustainability, while resilience grants of up to $7,500 are earmarked for organizations with annual operating budgets under $150,000. The Foundation seeks to stabilize and uplift small music organizations navigating financial uncertainty. Eligible uses of the resilience funding include projects related to artistic or organizational development, such as workforce programming, that have been jeopardized by government cutbacks. It can also be used for consulting or guidance in legal, financial, communications, or fundraising areas. Notably, the grant supports cost-sharing or collaborative efforts with other nonprofits to maintain financial health. However, it does not support one-time creative partnerships or routine programming activities like festivals, standard repertoire concerts, or expanded productions that fall within normal operating plans. Eligibility is strictly limited to nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations that operate within the pre-collegiate music education or performance space. These include after-school programs, community music schools, preparatory divisions, and youth ensembles. Organizations must be located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, encompassing parts of Pennsylvania (including Harrisburg), New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Entities based in the New York and Baltimore metropolitan areas are explicitly excluded. Accredited higher education institutions are only eligible if applying on behalf of a new preparatory music program, not their main music departments or schools. Applications are evaluated holistically and in line with the Foundation’s Social Justice Statement and Values. Reviewers assess the strengths and accomplishments of applicants, the relevance of their musical programming to their communities, and their organizational stability and potential for long-term impact. Emphasis is also placed on equity in music access and the programmatic feasibility and contribution to the broader music community. Applications for the Special Projects grant must be submitted by September 15, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced on November 1, 2025. Interested applicants should direct general inquiries to Teresa Rodgers at trodgers@presserfoundation.org. For technical assistance related to applications or follow-ups, applicants should contact Rachael Gartner at rgartner@presserfoundation.org. All substantive changes to an accepted application require prior approval by the Foundation, and violations may result in forfeiture of funds or future ineligibility.