The Presser Foundation is inviting applications for its Capital Support Grant, aimed at supporting music organizations engaged in a wide range of musical styles and traditions. The grant provides funding for capital projects and is typically awarded in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. It does not support general operating expenses, musical instruments, or consumable supplies.
Capital projects eligible for funding include the construction of new music facilities, renovations, repairs, and expansions of existing spaces. The Foundation also considers requests for equipment, software, and other infrastructure needs essential to the functioning of music organizations. Examples of funded projects include the purchase of recording studio equipment, upgrades to audio and lighting systems, and renovations to spaces used for storing music scores.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit, 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, or pre-collegiate music education organizations. This includes after-school music programs, community music schools, and youth instrumental or vocal programs. While K-12 schools themselves are not eligible, nonprofit organizations that provide music education in those settings may apply.
Organizations must be located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, including areas in Pennsylvania (such as Harrisburg), Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. However, groups in the New York and Baltimore metropolitan areas are not eligible. Legacy institutions previously supported by Theodore Presser or The Presser Foundation, or bearing the name “Presser,” may also be considered for significant capital projects, regardless of location.
Multi-year funding requests are permitted. Grant funds will be disbursed once construction begins. Any major changes to the proposed project after approval must be cleared with the Foundation; otherwise, the grant may be revoked and future funding suspended.
In reviewing applications, the Foundation considers several factors: the organization’s accomplishments, its connection to community needs, its long-term community impact, its commitment to equity in music access, the value and feasibility of its programs, and its overall contribution to the music ecosystem.
For more information, visit The Presser Foundation.
