The Presser Foundation Will Distribute $876,000 in Capital Support Grants in 2023

The Presser Foundation is pleased to announce new Capital Support grants totaling $524,700 in single year and multi-year grants to 20 music organizations. Grant payments made in 2023 for previous commitments total $604,800. A full listing by category of the grantee organizations is below.

These grants are designated for capital projects of music presenting, music performing and music education organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Capital projects typically include the construction of new facilities and the renovation or expansion of existing facilities. Building on previously expanded guidelines and with gained perspective on the needs of music organizations in Greater Philadelphia, the Foundation again considered applications for equipment, technology, hardware, and software needs of organizations as they create innovative, uplifting, and inspiring music programming.

Corey R. Smith, Chair of the Capital Support Committee, commented on these grants, “Over the past several years, music organizations have faced numerous challenges that affected their programming and operations; however, they continue to find ways to reach audiences in new and creative ways. The Presser Foundation is pleased to continue supporting their engagement efforts through providing capital support for traditional building and renovations projects as well as for equipment and technology needs. Five organizations will receive funding for the former, while 16 organizations will receive grants for capital needs such as a new bus for transporting children to afterschool music programming, audio upgrades, archival materials for preserving musical scores, music production hardware and software, and lighting equipment for a small studio. We hope that music organizations of all shapes and sizes are thus able to access the necessary facilities, tools, and equipment to continue to reach their audiences and students in creative ways.”

2023 Capital Support Grantees (in alphabetical order by category)

Traditional Large Capital Projects - $255,000 in multi-year grants

• Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia - $20,000 in one year
• Darlington Arts Center - $35,000 in one year
• Drexel University - $75,000 over three years
• Eastern University - $100,000 over two years
• Ohio Northern University - $25,000 Legacy Gift for Presser Hall

Expanded Capital Needs - $269,700 in multi-year grants

• Ars Nova Workshop - $10,000 in one year
• Berks Youth Chorus - $4,000 in one year
• Capital Harmony Works - $30,000 in one year
• Christina Cultural Arts Center - $30,000 over two years
• Delaware County Symphony - $4,000 in one year
• Esperanza Arts Center - $15,000 in one year
• FamFrequency Productions - $8,200 in one year
• Friends of the Wanamaker Organ - $6,500 in one year
• Network for New Music - $8,500 in one year
• OperaDelaware - $25,000 in one year
• Relache, Inc. - $5,000 in one year
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra - $3,500 in one year
• State Theatre Regional Arts Center - $30,000 in one year
• The Music School of Delaware - $60,000 over two years
• WXPN - $30,000 over two years