The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant: Fall Cycle

The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant: Fall Cycle

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: University Of Rochester
Amount: US $5,000 - US $10,000
Last Updated: July 30, 2025

Summary

The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant: Fall Cycle supports innovative projects and research in music, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open to all US-based musicians and organizations, this grant prioritizes proposals that aim for systemic change in the arts. Funded projects can receive between $5,000 and $10,000, with particular emphasis on educational programs, concerts, and research initiatives that promote anti-racism and sustainability in the music profession.

Overview

NOTE: The October 1, 2025 Fall grant cycle is open to all US-based musicians or musical arts organizations. The February 1, 2026 Spring grant cycle will be reserved for Eastman students, alumni, faculty and staff, and the organizations they represent. Eastman affiliates must be involved in the project proposal and execution, and submit the application in their name in order to be eligible in the spring. The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant: Fall Cycle The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research is a division of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML) at the Eastman School of Music. The Center’s research and programming emphasizes the 21st Century evolution of the innovative ensemble, influenced by both the symphony orchestra and the chamber music traditions, with a focus on creative, artist-centered ensembles that reflect new models of artistic innovation, organizational relationships, and operational sustainability. The Paul R. Judy Center Grant provides funding for research and innovative projects. This grant provides funding for proposals such as: Research Support: Interested individuals or teams may submit a proposal to support a research project. Funding may go toward travel, lodging, or other costs in order to complete the project. Winners will submit articles/summaries to be featured in IML research. Innovative Projects: This category is for ensembles and is intentionally broad, encompassing a wide range of activities. A few examples of projects include educational engagement programs, concerts, and recording projects. Funding Priorities The PRJC recognizes that the music profession must engage in systemic and transformational change in pursuit of a more just and equitable arts ecosystem. The time is now for all musical arts organizations to take bold and decisive actions to enact structural change. The integrity of the entire music profession – from the individual musician to the largest orchestra – is dependent upon these actions. To that end, the PRJC grant program will support innovative projects and research focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in all elements of our profession, with a prioritization of projects that advance anti-racism work in the arts. The PRJC seeks projects and research that have potential for lasting and sustainable change in our field. Funding $5,000-$10,000

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who can apply:Fall:This grant cycle is open to all US-based musicians or musical arts organizations.Previous grantees are eligible to apply and receive awards each year; there is no restriction on the number of consecutive awards a group or individual can receive. Funding for capital expenses such as technology purchases are possible but less appealing to the grant committee. Funding should always be used for direct project and program expenses.