ACMP Grant Programs

The ACMP Foundation was formed in 1993 to foster the playing of chamber music for people of all ages and skill levels. Since 1994, ACMP has awarded 2,614 grants totaling over $3.6 million for programs and projects around the world that promote participatory chamber music activities.

ACMP grant recipients include both well-established and fledgling institutions, regional and national associations, recognized nonprofit organizations as well as individuals able to create and implement suitable programs. ACMP takes a lively interest in recipients' activities, on occasion providing technical and logistical assistance, and arranging for site visits to complement written reports.
With 103 recipients in 2008/09, Community Music is the largest of ACMP's programs. Awards provide funding to community arts organizations in support of ongoing programs that offer musicians of all ages the opportunity to play and be coached in chamber music.

Community Music grants to organizations serving pre-college players favor programs for students of intermediate level and above. Grants averaging $1,000-$3,000 are generally made in support of scholarship aid and program staff salaries. This funding often makes it possible for students to experience chamber music for the first time.

Community Music grants also support ongoing programs for adults at all levels of expertise in chamber music.
Workshops for adult amateurs continue to grow in popularity and our funding of these programs has steadily increased. Grants are awarded to subsidize coaches' salaries, to reduce registration fees, and to allow for scholarships.
The Home Coaching program encourages musicians who meet regularly as a group to engage a professional coach in order to gain musical insight, develop efficient rehearsal skills and exchange musical ideas. ACMP provides up to 50% of the coach's fee. Participants must be ACMP members.
Projects or events that further the aims of ACMP but do not fall within our other grant programs are considered on an individual basis. Examples include funds to establish a database of contemporary chamber music (FindChamberMusic.com); seed money to initiate an amateur component at a major European festival; subsidy to scan and digitize out-of-print chamber music at the Sibley Music Library for public downloading via the Internet.
ACMP does not provide funding for: individual or group lessons in instrumental technique; choral, orchestral, and chamber orchestra programs; guest artist performances; activities intended for audience development; general administration.