The Alice M. Ditson Fund: Organizational Support - Spring Deadline Grant

The Alice M. Ditson Fund provides organizational support for professional performing ensembles and institutions committed to advancing the work of younger and relatively unknown living American composers. Grants are available for general operating or project support, emphasizing contemporary American classical concert music. Eligibility includes organizations without non-profit status if sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity, while projects featuring American music are prioritized. This funding opportunity encourages innovative performances and fosters greater recognition of emerging talents in the classical music sphere.

NOTE: There are two semi-annual deadlines for this grant opportunity. Please see the additional relevant opportunity below.
Here is the page for the fall deadline that offers support for summer festivals and conferences.
Funds are available for General Operating Support or Project Support for professional performing ensembles and institutions with a history of substantial commitment to works by younger and relatively unknown, living American composers.
What is the Ditson Fund’s definition of ‘younger and relatively unknown composers’?
The Fund only supports the work of living American composers of classical concert music with an emphasis on supporting important works of composers who are younger and at the beginning stage of their career as well as music by more mature composers who deserve wider recognition and support. During each meeting the Advisory Committee will determine who best deserves support among the current applicants.
What is the Fund’s definition of ‘American’?
Composers with U.S. citizenship, as well as composers that have lived and worked in the U.S. for a significant period of time, are eligible. The Fund does not set rigid parameters but considers any questionable situations on a case-by-case basis. For the Fund’s purposes, “American” refers to the United States, its territories, and possessions.
What is the Fund’s definition of a ‘performing ensemble’?
Performing groups such as orchestras, opera companies and chamber music groups with a consistent core membership, as well as ‘flexible’ ensembles with consistent artistic leadership and identity, are considered performing ensembles. Dance companies are also eligible to apply for projects that involve live performances of contemporary American music.
What is the Fund’s definition of a ‘summer festival’?
Festivals of contemporary American classical concert music that take place during the summer months: June, July and August. The Fund only supports the work of living American composers of classical concert music with an emphasis on supporting important works of composers who are younger and at the beginning stage of their career as well as music by more mature composers who deserve wider recognition and support.
What is the Fund’s definition of an ‘institution’?
For the Fund's purposed, an institution is an established organization having an important role in contemporary music, that is not a performing ensemble, summer festival, or conference.
What is the Fund’s definition of a ‘conference’?
Conferences devoted to the performance of American classical concert music that take place during the summer months: June, July and August. The Fund only supports the work of living American composers of classical concert music with an emphasis on supporting important works of composers who are younger and at the beginning stage of their career as well as music by more mature composers who deserve wider recognition and support.

Eligibility

Organizations without non-profit status may seek support with the sponsorship of a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.Ensembles without non-profit status may seek support with the sponsorship of a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
Organization's located outside the U.S. are eligible to apply if they are proposing a project featuring contemporary American music.The application will require an American fiscal sponsor with 501(c)3 status.
Any awards will be paid to that fiscal sponsor.
All financial figures in the proposal should be converted to U.S. dollars.The Ditson Fund supports contemporary American classical concert music.
Educational institutions may not apply directly, but they may serve as the fiscal sponsor for projects that involve professional musicians (including faculty).
Projects that primarily involve professional musicians are eligible even if some students also participate.
Project that includes the music of American and non-American composers are eligible only if the music of the living American composer would be eligible for support.

Ineligibility

In general jazz is not supported.
Projects including student ensembles are generally not eligible for support.
The Ditson Fund does not support music education programs.The Ditson Fund will not fund indirect costs on a project, so it is advised that you do not include them in the budget.