Chamber Music America’s Presenter Consortium for Jazz program offers financial support to consortiums of three U.S.-based 501(c)(3) presenters. These presenters collaborate to engage up to three professional U.S. jazz ensembles, each consisting of 2 to 10 musicians. The program aims to enhance the accessibility and appreciation of jazz music through public performances, which can be either in-person concerts or streamed events. The grant provides funding of up to $13,000 for each presenter, totaling a maximum of $39,000 for the consortium over a grant period of two years.

The primary purpose of the grant is to foster community impact through jazz music. This includes creating greater access to jazz, promoting respect and appreciation for the genre, and facilitating engagement between ensembles and audiences. Projects that highlight cultural richness, encourage collaboration, and reach underserved audiences are particularly prioritized. The program seeks to support initiatives that not only present jazz music but also actively involve the community in the experience.

Funding from the grant can be used for various eligible expenses related to the presentation of jazz ensembles. Each consortium must consist of one lead presenter and two presenter partners, all of which must be located in distinct audience communities. This means that while the presenters can be in the same state or territory, they must serve different towns, cities, or regions. Each presenter must also demonstrate proof of their 501(c)(3) status and have a lead applicant who is a current member of Chamber Music America at the organization level.

Eligibility for the grant is limited to presenting organizations based in the U.S. or its territories. Each of the three organizations in the consortium must meet the 501(c)(3) criteria or be otherwise eligible for charitable contributions. Additionally, the selected jazz ensembles must be based in the U.S. or its territories and primarily perform jazz music, utilizing improvisation as a key element of their performances. Current grantees with active projects are not eligible to apply for this grant.

The application process requires consortiums to submit specific information, including details about the proposed performances and how they will engage the community. Evaluation criteria will focus on the potential community impact of the project, the quality of the proposed performances, and the ability of the consortium to reach diverse audiences.

The grant period for funded projects will run from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The application deadline for this grant is set for October 10, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Chamber Music America website for more information and to ensure they meet all submission requirements.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact José Feliciano at Chamber Music America via email or phone. This grant represents a valuable opportunity for organizations dedicated to promoting jazz music and engaging their communities through live performances.