Grants
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. The primary purpose of these grants is to support the rediscovery and promotion of neglected or unknown works by women of the past. Grants will not be awarded solely for the commission or performance of newly written works, although inclusion of newer works in a broader historical context is encouraged. Grant awards will range from $500-$1000.
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Project Examples
WPA Projects and Events Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis for specific or unique 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 orchestral 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, especially by historic women composers, with dissemination to encourage wider performance.
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 substantial 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, nor primarily for the performance of such 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 when situated in a broader context and view them as important to a genuine commitment to diversity.
Timeline
The listed dates include are our upcoming application deadlines. Results will be announced announced the following month.
- June 9, 2025 (Mon.)
- Aug. 7, 2025 (Thurs.)
- Oct. 7, 2025 (Tues.)
- Dec. 8, 2025 (Mon.)
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.
For questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an ensemble re-apply for a grant if they've applied in previous years?
A: Yes, absolutely! We encourage you to apply, and to help us spread the word to other orchestras.
Q: How can you find music by women composers?
A: Women have always composed, and music by women is available from every historical era and in every genre. To find it, you must be determined to research to uncover works that are unknown to you and your audiences.
- We have compiled a list of music by historic composers, which can serve as a starting point. Also see our orchestral editions and editions of orchestral music by Amy Beach.
- Conductor Anna Edwards started Anna’s Composer Database to encourage and promote musical diversity. It features women and other historically marginalized composers. This is a carefully curated and informative database; first month free (and then only $5 per month).
- The Boulanger Initiative has a new database of music by historic (non-living) women and other gender-marginalized people.
- Diana Ambache has compiled this important list of repertoire lists.
- We also have a longer list of much of the repertoire of The Women’s Philharmonic. We also highly recommend the Composer Diversity Database to discover new repertoire!
It takes a lot of digging to find new repertoire and it takes time to study unknown scores. We challenge you to take up this task and we are eager to help!
Q: Is there any fee required to apply for a WPA Projects and Events Grant?
A: No, there is no fee to apply for a grant!
Q: Can an orchestra outside of the U.S. apply?
A: Yes, as of November 2024, the WPA Projects and Events grants are open to international organizations. At the very least we will help to spread the word about your concert plans!
Q: Can a video or sound file be uploaded with an application?
A: No, we do not accept video or sound file uploads. We recommend you provide us with a link from Youtube, Soundcloud, or other online repositories.
Q: Can a private link on Soundcloud or YouTube be used to upload application materials?
A: Yes, you are welcome to provide unlisted or private links; see Soundcloud and Youtube for help and recommendations. Also it is a “fair use” exemption of copyright law to provide short excerpts for the purpose of study and review.
Q: Will musician unions be okay with sharing recordings for this application?
A: Most unions are fine with short clips being used for purposes of promotion or study. Ask your union for details. Also you can provide unlisted or private links to recordings of your work, so that the recordings are kept private.
Q: Can chamber ensembles (i.e. string quartets/piano trios/brass quintets etc.) apply for these grants?
A: No, our grants are focused on orchestras and orchestral repertoire, which we are defining as 10 or more instruments, featuring bowed strings of the violin family.
Q: Can a wind ensemble apply for a grant?
A: No, while we agree the need is great in this area, and that there is very little knowledge of the wide range of works written by women composers for wind ensemble, at this time our grants are focused on the orchestral repertoire. Maybe someday we will expand.
Q: Can choirs featuring an orchestra apply for these grants?
A: Yes, as long as the project includes a substantial orchestral component. Our grants have traditionally focused on transforming orchestral culture and the orchestral canon and your project would be expected to contribute to that mission. We would like to hear about your project, we can blog about it and cheer you on, and sometimes offer suggestions for sources of funding.
Q: Can an opera company apply for a grant?
A: Yes, as long as the project includes a substantial orchestral component such as an overture and entr’acte. Our grants are focused on transforming orchestral culture and the orchestral canon and your project would be expected to contribute to that mission. We would also like to hear about your project, we can blog about it and cheer you on, and sometimes offer suggestions for sources of funding.
Q: Can an application form be downloaded and filled out offline?
A: Yes, you should download the application form and instructions and to help you prepare your application prior to filling out the online submission form. Your completed application will be submitted using the link to the form on the WPA Performance Grant Application page.
Q: Can additional/supporting documents be uploaded?
A: Yes, you can submit smaller files directly through the application form (limit of 2) or there is space to provide a direct link to files located online (like GoogleDocs, Dropbox, etc.). Larger audio or video files must be provided through links only, even if these are private links to material that is not publicly available. If you have any questions on how to submit additional documents, like budget files and/or publicity files, you can send an email to [email protected].