RFAs: Amphion Grant Program 2026 (US)

Deadline: 24-Sep-2026

The Amphion Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Amphion Grant Program to support nonprofit organizations that perform, present, and promote contemporary concert music, with a strong emphasis on works by American composers. The program offers both general operating support and project funding for activities taking place between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.

Amphion Grant Program 2026

The Amphion Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations committed to advancing contemporary concert music through performances, presentations, education, preservation, and public engagement. The programme supports organizations that demonstrate artistic excellence while expanding access to contemporary music and encouraging the performance of works by American composers.

Programme Objectives

The grant aims to strengthen the contemporary concert music sector by supporting organizations that consistently deliver high-quality artistic programming.

The programme seeks to:

• Encourage the performance of contemporary concert music.
• Promote works by American composers.
• Support artistic excellence in music performance and presentation.
• Expand public appreciation of contemporary concert music.
• Increase access to music programming for diverse and underserved communities.
• Strengthen organizations dedicated to contemporary music.

Priority Areas

The programme supports initiatives related to:

• Contemporary concert music.
• American composers.
• Live performances.
• Concerts and festivals.
• Artist residency programmes.
• Professional development.
• Music presentation.
• Music advocacy.
• Music archives and preservation.
• Music dissemination.
• Community engagement.
• Cultural access.

Contemporary concert music refers to concert music composed within the last 50 years, including opera, orchestral music, chamber music, vocal works, instrumental ensemble compositions, and experimental concert music.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

• Live concerts and performances.
• Music festivals.
• Artist residency programmes.
• Professional development initiatives.
• Music service and advocacy programmes.
• Archival and preservation activities.
• Music dissemination projects.
• Other approved contemporary concert music initiatives.

The programme offers both:

• General operating support for organizations with a sustained commitment to contemporary American concert music.
• Project support for significant activities beyond an organization’s regular programming.

Eligible activities must take place between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.

Funding Available

Grant awards generally range from:

• USD 2,000 to USD 7,500.

Larger grants may be awarded to organizations demonstrating an exceptional commitment to contemporary concert music or undertaking particularly significant projects.

The Foundation will not award more funding than the amount requested in the application.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include publicly supported nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored organizations.

Applicants must:

• Be a nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organization.
• Have at least two years of professional programming or performance experience.
• Have an annual operating budget of USD 10 million or less.

Organizations with larger operating budgets may request project support with prior approval from the Foundation.

Eligible organization types include:

• Performing organizations.
• Presenting organizations.
• Music service organizations.
• Music advocacy organizations.
• Concert and music festivals.
• Artist residency programmes.
• Libraries and archives.
• Professional development organizations.
• Radio and television organizations, depending on the applicable grant cycle.

International organizations may apply only for projects supporting contemporary concert music by American composers.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit:

• Organizational profile.
• Project proposal.
• Organizational information.
• Financial documentation.
• Supporting documents.
• Media samples for organizations presenting musical performances.

Applications should clearly demonstrate artistic quality, organizational capacity, and the proposed impact of the funded activities.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Artistic quality of performances and recordings.
• Quality of proposed repertoire.
• Demonstrated commitment to contemporary concert music.
• Financial capacity to complete the proposed activities.
• Contribution to the performance and dissemination of contemporary concert music.
• Financial need.
• Community impact and public access.
• Support for underserved and marginalized communities.
• Diversity of artistic programming and creators represented.

Funding decisions apply only to the current grant cycle and do not guarantee future funding.

Why This Grant Matters

The Amphion Grant Program plays an important role in sustaining organizations that champion contemporary concert music and American composers.

The programme helps organizations:

• Present innovative musical works.
• Support living composers.
• Expand audiences for contemporary music.
• Preserve important musical heritage.
• Increase cultural access and participation.
• Strengthen the contemporary music ecosystem.

How to Apply

Organizations should:

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Prepare the required organizational profile.
3. Develop a detailed project or operating support proposal.
4. Gather financial statements and supporting documents.
5. Prepare media samples if performances are part of the application.
6. Submit the completed application within the appropriate grant cycle.

Application Tips

• Demonstrate a strong history of presenting contemporary concert music.
• Clearly explain the artistic significance of the proposed activities.
• Highlight programming featuring American composers.
• Present a realistic budget and financial plan.
• Include high-quality media samples.
• Describe how the project will expand community engagement and access.
• Emphasize diversity and inclusion within programming and audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Publicly supported nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored organizations with at least two years of professional activity.

What types of music are supported?

Contemporary concert music composed within the past 50 years, including opera, orchestral, chamber, vocal, instrumental, and experimental concert music.

How much funding is available?

Most grants range from USD 2,000 to USD 7,500, although larger awards may be made in exceptional cases.

Can international organizations apply?

Yes. International organizations may apply only for projects that support contemporary concert music by American composers.

What types of support are available?

The programme provides both general operating support and project support.

What period must funded activities take place?

Eligible activities must occur between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.

Conclusion

The Amphion Grant Program 2026 provides valuable funding for nonprofit organizations dedicated to performing, presenting, and promoting contemporary concert music. By supporting artistic excellence, American composers, and broader public access to contemporary music, the programme contributes to the continued growth and visibility of the contemporary concert music sector.

For more information, visit Amphion Foundation.