Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Classical Commissioning Program.
Donor Name: Chamber Music America
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/18/2025
Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
Chamber Music America’s Classical Commissioning program began in 1984. Since then, CMA has funded nearly 300 new works providing grants to U.S.-based ensembles and presenters whose programming includes Western European and/or non-Western classical and contemporary music.
CMA’s 2026 Classical Commissioning program is being strategically redesigned to address this urgent gap, centering support around organizations and artists most impacted by the loss of NEA funding. CMA support through this grant may be used for general operating support for these performances/programs.
Funding Information
Grant awards will range based on budget size:
- Approximately sixteen grants of $2,500 for ensembles with budgets below $249,999
- Approximately seven grants of $5,000 for organizations with budgets up to $750,000
Grant Period
December 1, 2025-through December 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must:
- Provide a copy of their 2025 NEA funding termination letter as proof of rescission
- Show proof of 501(c)3 status
- Be a CMA member at the Organization level
- Have completed any classical/contemporary CMA-funded project, if applicable
- Have no overdue reports or financial obligations to CMA
- Agree to acknowledge CMA in all programs and press materials
Ensembles
An ensemble is eligible if it:
- Is based in the U.S. or its territories (the leader/primary member is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
- Primarily performs Western European and/or non-Western classical and contemporary music
- Consists of 2-10 musicians, either as a fixed roster, or a flexible collective (duos must perform as equal partners and publicize themselves as a duo)
Presenters
A presenter is eligible if it:
- primarily presents Western European and/or non-Western classical and contemporary music
For more information, visit CMA.
