The Amphion Foundation, Inc., founded in 1987 by Elliott and Helen Carter, was established to encourage the performance of contemporary concert music, particularly by American composers, through support to performing and presenting organizations that have demonstrated sustained artistic excellence, in addition to service organizations. The Foundation’s mission is carried out through its grant program.

The application system is currently open. The spring deadline is on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time for Performing Ensembles. Eligible ensemble types included: Ballet/Dance; Chamber Ensemble; Chamber Orchestra; Choral/Vocal; Opera; and Orchestra. Notification will be sent by the end of July, 2016.

Eligibility
Applications may be submitted by publicly supported non-profit performing ensembles, presenters and music service organizations that have a history of substantial commitment to contemporary concert music at a high level of excellence. Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years. Performing ensembles, presenters, or organizations that are applying for support for performances must have presented two full seasons prior to the season for which support is requested, except for special projects of extraordinary significance. In that case, one must contact the Grants Manager for approval prior to beginning an application. Applications from organizations with a budget of over $10 million will be considered only for special project support. The Grants Manager should be contacted for approval prior to beginning an application. Please note that, in general, the grant program does not support jazz music.

The Foundation does not accept proposals for:
-Commissions to composers
-Endowment funding
-Audio or audio-visual recordings of any kind
-Music publishing projects
-Projects that are part of the curriculum of an educational institution
-Installations
-Composition competitions

Except for certain choral groups, only professional choral ensembles may apply. Proposals are accepted from amateur choral ensembles and youth choirs performing contemporary classical music at an exceptionally high artistic level.

Funding Provisions
Applicants other than orchestras and opera companies may request either general operating support or support for special projects. All orchestras and opera companies, except for contemporary music specialists, are eligible to apply only for special project support. Applicants should be aware that support in one year does not imply continuation of that support. In general, special projects relating to a broad spectrum of contemporary music will be viewed more favorably than those relating to a single work or a single composer. In general, grants will range between $1,000 and $7,500, although larger grants may be awarded to larger performing organizations with an extraordinary commitment to contemporary concert music or a particularly significant project.

Criteria
The following criteria will be applied in evaluating grant proposals:
-History of high-quality performances of, or otherwise substantially fostering the public knowledge and appreciation of, contemporary concert music;
-The significant contributions the organization has made in the past and those it is likely to make in the future;
-The responsibility and effectiveness of management.

Telephone: 212-461-6956
E-mail: grantsmanager@amphionfoundation.org

Hard copies of scores should be addressed to:
The Amphion Foundation, Inc.
254 West 31st Street, 15th floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn:  Grants Manager