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Emerging Professional Award

ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

Foundation Annual Grants for ArtsGrants for Performing ArtsGrants for MusicProfessional Development Grants
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Funding Amount

$500

Deadline

May 15, 2026

38 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Emerging Professional Award

Organization: Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO)

Purpose: Recognizes the importance of investing in future leaders from all backgrounds to ensure vitality of orchestra field. Honors individuals in their first five years in the orchestra/classical music field who have already made meaningful contributions and demonstrate strong potential for leadership and continued professional growth.

Award Focus:

  • Early career success in orchestra/classical music field

  • Meaningful contributions to organization regardless of budget size

  • Strong potential for leadership and continued professional growth

  • Positive impact in community

  • Commitment to learning and self-development

  • Contributing new ideas and supporting colleagues

  • Challenging the status quo

  • Championing inclusion and belonging

  • Strengthening organizational culture

  • Advancing both people and programs

    • Eligibility:

  • Must be in first five years in orchestra/classical music field

  • Must have made meaningful contributions to organization

  • Any organization budget size

  • Demonstrates leadership and professional growth potential

    • Geographic Scope: California

    Award Benefits:

  • Honorarium: $500 (underwritten by Dean McVay, ACSO Board Emeritus)

    • Contact: office@acso.org

    Additional Resources: Sample nomination available on website

    Recent Recipients:

  • 2025: Jahan Atebar (Executive Assistant & Office Manager, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera)

  • 2024: May Stearman (Community Engagement Program Manager, San Francisco Symphony)

  • 2023: Raphaela Correa de Lacerda Campos (Assistant Conductor, San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra)

  • 2022: Tiffany Fajardo (Patron Services Manager, Berkeley Symphony)

  • 2021: Virginia Evans (Operations Manager, Reno Philharmonic)

  • 2020: Tara Aesquivel (American Youth Symphony) & Connor Bogenreif (Long Beach Symphony)

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Submit a nomination through the ACSO website
    2. Deadline: Friday, May 15th, 2026
    3. Application should demonstrate early career accomplishments and impact
    4. Include details about professional contributions to organization
    5. Explain commitment to learning, innovation, and inclusion
    6. Describe community impact and organizational advancement

    Note: Sample nomination form available on website for reference

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artsperforming-artsmusicprofessional-developmentdiversity

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