WPA Projects and Events Grants – as of November, 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the WPA Projects and Events Grants program is to identify and facilitate opportunities for broader representation and inclusion in orchestral programming, especially of works by historic women composers. Grant awards will range from $500-$1000. These project and events grants will be awarded on a rolling basis with deadlines for application every other month (see below).

WPA Projects and Events Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis for specific, one-time projects and events. Some possible examples of projects and events that might be funded include (but are not limited to):

1) One-time events to perform a large-scale work or concert program. The performance must be recorded (at least in part) with some audio or video component of at least several clips (e.g., Facebook or Instagram reels, TikTok, YouTube shorts) or a stream (available for a limited timespan, if not longer) that helps the performance have resonance beyond the audience in the concert hall.

2) An ambitious recording project (either audio or video) of an important but little-known work.

3) Student conducting recitals (featuring students in graduate programs in conducting) with a focus on inclusivity and discovery of neglected works in programming.

4) Symposium or conference focusing on womxn composer(s) with some inclusion of orchestral music.

5) A non-performance project such as a research publication about little-known women composer(s) or their repertoire, engagingly written with a general audience in mind. Generating interest in neglected composers and their music can be an important step towards getting their works better known and performed.

6) A performing edition of a work by a woman, for orchestra or including orchestra (choral and vocal), especially if a performance is also planned.

7) Collaborative or multimedia projects with orchestral music and a historic woman composer as the focus. For example, programs for audiences of children such as “Joseph Haydn Lived Upstairs, Marianne Martines Lived Downstairs, and W.A. Mozart Stopped By – The amazing true story of a woman composer in 18th century Vienna” or “How Louise Farrenc Demanded Equal Pay at the Paris Conservatory – after writing symphonies, overtures, and then her Nonet, the composer-pianist knew her worth.”

We are also open to ideas not listed above.

Criteria

Applicants can be orchestras, festivals, educational institutions, or other organizations located in the United States or internationally. Choral or Opera organizations may apply as long as there is a substantial orchestral component (inclusion of orchestral sections or movements such as an Overture or Entr’acte for example). We support organizations (preferably 501(c)3s or comparable charitable organizations in other countries) and ask individuals (such as conductors and researchers/authors) to apply with an organization. 

Established ensembles (those with regular multi-concert seasons) that apply for grants must show evidence of consistently advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their programming, and historic works by women must be part of that. If you do not already have this commitment established, we can provide suggestions and guidance on repertoire that would enable you to apply in the future.

Ensembles must qualify as a nonprofit or other tax-exempt organization (e.g., associated with a school). Established ensembles must submit links to audio or video recordings that demonstrate the excellence of the ensemble.

Note that these grants are not to support the commissioning of new works, but rather to emphasize the rediscovery and promotion of neglected or unknown works by women of the past. However, we do encourage inclusion of new and recent works in orchestral programming and view them as important to a genuine commitment to diversity.

Application

Applications will be submitted online using the link below. To prepare your submission, download the application instructions and gather the information requested for application. Answer all questions completely and clearly and note that items marked with an asterisk are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered so make sure you have provided the information requested.

Submit your online application HERE.

We will be considering applications every other month with a deadline of  the 7th of every even-numbered month or the next business day if the 7th is a weekend or holiday. Results will be announced the following month.

  • Dec. 9, 2024 (Mon.) 

  • Feb. 7, 2025 (Wed.)

  • April 7, 2025 (Mon.)

  • June 9, 2025 (Mon.)

  • Aug. 7, 2025 (Thurs) 

  • Oct. 7, 2025 (Tues.)

  • Dec. 8, 2025 (Mon.)

For questions, please contact us at [email protected].