Announcing a Refreshed Ensemble Forward Grant Program

Chamber Music America, the national network for small ensemble music professionals, has opened the application period for its Ensemble Forward grant program, announcing significant updates to the initiative, which has supported contemporary classical ensembles across New York City’s five boroughs since 2021.

Funded by The New York Community Trust, Ensemble Forward will now award a total of $300,000 over the next three years, thanks to The Trust’s generous increased support. Each year, CMA will grant $10,000 to 10 ensembles in support of strategic and professional development. Selected ensembles will work with a career consultant to facilitate growth and guide project management in areas such as fundraising and development, digital strategy and technology assessments, marketing and communications, board development, and strategic planning. Additionally, ensembles will also participate in a tailored series of six cohort-specific learning sessions, with topics selected based on the needs and goals of each group.

Originally launched in 2021 to support early-career ensembles and the completion of debut recording projects, Ensemble Forward has evolved to reflect the changing needs of the field. As CMA’s Director of Grant Programs José Feliciano notes, even well-established chamber music groups seek guidance as they enter new stages of growth—and the refreshed program allows applicants at any career stage.

“Beyond support for recordings, we found that many ensembles simply needed deeper core support,” says Feliciano. “This refreshed program aims to address an ensemble’s sustainability and organizational health. We recognize the complex challenges that NYC-based classical contemporary ensembles face as they scale. A recording project can be a powerful milestone, but building strong foundations for chamber music ensembles is critical for our field’s future.”

Applications are being accepted now through September 25, 2025. The full guidelines and eligibility requirements can be found here.

Chamber Music America, the national network of ensemble music professionals, was founded in 1977 to develop, strengthen, and support the chamber music community. With a membership including musicians, ensembles, presenters, artists’ managers, educators, music businesses, and advocates of ensemble music, CMA welcomes members representing a wide range of musical styles and traditions. In addition to its funding programs, CMA provides its members with consulting services, access to instrument and other insurances, conferences, seminars, and its quarterly publication, Chamber Music magazine.

A public charity, The New York Community Trust connects past, present, and future generous New Yorkers with vital nonprofits working to make a healthy, equitable, and thriving community for all. It is a public grantmaking foundation dedicated to improving the lives of residents of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island.