JAVS Summer 2026

Where to Look When Opportunity Costs Become Barriers A practical starting point for musicians seeking funding, reduced-cost access, or alternative pathways.

Institutional Funding (Ask before assuming the answer is no) Many sources exist inside your institution and go unused simply because students never ask. Search terms: • “[University Name] travel grant” • “[University Name] graduate professional development funding” • “[University Name] conference funding” • “[University Name] student emergency fund” • “[University Name] alumni scholarship” • “[University Name] career services funding” • “[University Name] research dissemination grant” • “[University Name] student government funding” Ask: • Does the music department maintain discretionary funds? • Are donor-funded travel awards available? • Are unused scholarship funds redistributed late in the year? • Can accepted opportunities qualify as “professional development”? National Endowment for the Arts Federal arts funding information, grants, and state agency connections. Search: • “NEA grants artists” • “NEA state arts agency directory” YoungArts Support, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging artists. Search: • “YoungArts alumni opportunities” • “YoungArts financial support” National Arts Funding & Music-Specific Organizations

The Sphinx Organization Programs and funding focused on increasing diversity in classical music. Search: • “Sphinx MPower Artist Grants” • “Sphinx LEAD” Chamber Music America Residencies, commissioning, and ensemble support. Search: • “Chamber Music America grants” New Music USA Project grants and artist funding. Search: • “New Music USA project grants”

American Composers Forum Composer and creator support. Search:

• .“American Composers Forum grants”

Opera America Funding and career resources for opera professionals.

League of American Orchestras Professional development opportunities.

Chorus America Resources for choral musicians.

State & Regional Funding (Frequently Overlooked) Search: • “[State] Arts Council grants” • “[State] Humanities Council artist funding” • “[City] Arts Commission grants” Examples: • Colorado Creative Industries • State arts agencies in all 50 states often maintain: - Professional development grants - Travel stipends

- Fellowship programs - Emergency funding

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue