Coalition of Music Organizations

A voluntary association of small to medium-sized music organizations that provides access to funding and mutual aid

Supporting Music & Education

The Coalition of Music Organizations is a voluntary association of small to medium-sized music organizations, publishers, programs, and cultural institutions designed to provide access to small-grant funding ($1,000–$10,000), outreach support, and opportunities for cooperation and conversation. The Coalition of Music Organizations takes advantage of economies of scale and its members’ diverse organizational strengths to return benefits well in excess of the modest annual membership fee (which starts at $475).

The American Musicological Society launched the Coalition in summer 2025 to address the dramatic loss of support for music and the humanities and to promote mutual support among music organizations. The AMS is leveraging $100,000 annually in seed grant and subvention funding to support Coalition members. It has also pledged to provide access to a range of AMS programs and resources that can solve problems for small educational and cultural organizations and help make ends meet. Moreover, the Coalition of Music Organizations pools member dues and resources to provide even more money for mutual support, while also encouraging donations and sponsorships from larger institutions (like universities, foundations, and businesses) that also need a vibrant cultural and educational ecosystem to meet their missions or sustain their business models.

For more information, consult the FAQs below and sign up for the Coalition’s mailing list to get regular updates.

Application & Eligibility

A wide variety of small to medium-sized organizations (also, small to medium-sized divisions, departments, or subunits of larger organizations) are eligible to join the Coalition of Music Organizations. These include: associations and societies; presses and publishers; performing-arts companies, festivals, and ensembles; departments, centers, and institutes (both independent and those associated with colleges and universities); etc.

To apply, an authorized organizational leader or administrator must complete the Coalition of Music Organizations application form. The form (which will become available in late June 2025) requests information about organizational mission, size, governance, and programs. It also requires the prospective member organization to affirm several shared values, including nondiscrimination and the effort to avoid conflicts of interest in the administration of organizational programs. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with new organizations accepted and oriented monthly.

All Coalition members must separately apply for specific funding programs based on available calls and deadlines. These calls will be promoted via the Coalition discussion list and direct messaging. Deadlines are staggered throughout the year, and all application procedures and forms are designed to minimize barriers to application and utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Coalition of Music Organizations?

It is a voluntary association of small to medium-sized music organizations committed to pooling resources in order to provide grants, outreach support, and opportunities for collective conversation and cooperation.

What organizations are eligible to join?

A wide range of music-oriented organizations are eligible to join. This includes small to medium-sized nonprofits, societies, and performing entities; academic presses and trade publications; museums and libraries; centers, institutes, and departments; etc.

What are the benefits of joining?

Coalition member organizations are eligible for thousands of dollars in grant and subvention funding, including small action grants (like those historically offered by state humanities councils). Members also have access to professional programming, advertising discounts, and opportunities for collective conversation and cooperation.

What types of organizational grants does the Coalition offer?

Funding varies based on availability. Currently, we offer five (5) organizational funding streams: 1) general support; 2) public outreach; 3) early music; 4) publications; and 5) music analysis and interpretation. To learn, more consult the Description of Benefits.

How much does it cost to join?

Organizational member dues start at $475 per year and are tiered based on value received. There are three (3) tiers or levels of participation, with benefits scaled to suit organizational size, budget, and need. To learn more, consult the Benefits & Pricing Table.

What about larger organizations? Do they have a role to play?

Absolutely! We solicit support and sponsorships from larger entities (such as universities, foundations, and businesses) that also depend on a vibrant music, education, and humanities ecosystem. In exchange for their support, these larger organizations receive heightened visibility for their services or products and the knowledge that they are contributing to sustaining their own ecosystem, employee pipelines, audience/performer base, etc. If you are a leader of a larger, music-oriented institution and want to show your support for the Coalition, contact us at ams [at] amsmusicology [dot] org.

How can my organization join the Coalition?

The application form to join the Coalition of Music Organizations will be opened in late June 2025. Thereafter, organizations will be accepted on a rolling basis. Organizations must apply and be approved to participate in the Coalition. Stay tuned for more details!