General Eligibility FAQs
What is the Fund's definition of "contemporary concert music?"
The Fund considers music composed within the last 40 years to be contemporary. Concert music includes opera, orchestral and chamber music for instrumental and/or vocal ensembles, as well as concert music in experimental genres and similar formats. (For more information, please review program guidelines.)
What is the Fund's definition of "American music?"
Music by composers with U.S. citizenship, wherever they may live, as well as non-citizen composers who have lived and worked in the U.S. and its territories for a significant period.
Does the Fund support jazz music?
Yes, the Fund supports contemporary American jazz music composed within the last 40 years. (For more information, please review program guidelines.)
Will the Copland Fund consider funding for holiday or pops concerts?
No, but pops and holiday concerts will not have an adverse effect on your application if there is sufficient eligible contemporary concert music activity throughout your season.
Does the Fund support musical theater?
No, Broadway-style musical theater projects are generally not supported. Opera and dance projects involving live performances of contemporary concert music are supported.
Our organization does not have non-profit status. Can we apply?
Yes, provided you obtain fiscal sponsorship from a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. Be sure to review program guidelines and application instructions to submit proper documentation.
Can I apply to the Fund as an individual?
Fiscally sponsored individuals may apply for support in the Recording Program only; the Fund does not accept applications from individuals (fiscally sponsored or otherwise) for the Performance Program or Supplemental Program.
Special note regarding soloists: Soloists are not eligible to apply on their own, but presenters may apply to present a soloist.
Individuals may find other grant opportunities on Candid.
Does the Fund make grants for retroactive support?
The Performance and Supplemental Programs provide funding for programming that occurs between September of the current year through August of next year. Activity that occurs before this period is no longer eligible. Activity that occurs after this period should be submitted as part of a future application.
The Recording Program provides funding for recordings that have not been released prior to the application deadline. Recordings that will have been released before that date will no longer be eligible.
Does the Fund give grants to arts organizations outside New York City?
Yes! Non-profit and fiscally sponsored organizations with eligible activity throughout the United States and internationally will be considered for funding from the Fund.
Does the Fund provide funding for educational institutions or initiatives?
For the Performance Program, educational institutions and organizations seeking funding for educational outreach may not apply for activities involving school-age students, student ensembles, or credit-bearing university activities. Educational institutions may apply to the Performance Program as presenters for activities such as faculty recital series and concert presentations featuring professional musicians.
The Fund supports professional development and training activities that meet eligibility criteria through the Supplemental Program.
Youth choruses that perform contemporary concert music specifically composed for children’s voices may be considered. Please contact our Grants Team for more information.
Does the Fund provide funding for community, volunteer, or amateur ensembles?
Due to the competitive nature of the Fund’s grant programs, community, volunteer, and amateur ensembles are generally not competitive for support. For specific inquiries, please contact our Grants Team.
Can I apply to the Fund for a commission, or as part of a consortium project?
The Fund does not provide grants for commissioning fees. In the case of consortium projects, contact our Grants Team with your specific details.
May I apply to more than one grant program?
Yes! Performing organizations (e.g. orchestras, choirs, chamber music groups, opera and dance companies, etc.) that are seeking funding for live performances should apply to the Performing Program. Applicants seeking funding for commercial recordings should apply to the Recording Program. Applicants seeking funding for non-performing activities should apply to the Supplemental Program.
NOTE: Performing organizations may also apply to the Supplemental Program only if they operate a discrete and substantial standalone program that qualifies for eligibility, and only with advance approval from our Grants Team.