Coalition of Music Organizations

The abrupt termination of thousands of US federal grants in support of music and education, including funding for small grants provided through state humanities councils, has left the American Musicological Society’s (AMS) members and sister organizations reeling. The loss of federal support has hit every community in America and affected collaborative projects with people around the world.

To address the dramatic loss of support for music and the humanities, the AMS has launched a new initiative designed to promote mutual support among music organizations. Called the “Coalition of Music Organizations,” it 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 will start at $475).

How is this possible? Well, for starters, the American Musicological Society is seeding  the ground. The Society’s mission is “to advance understanding of music and sound,” and to do that the AMS needs a vibrant ecosystem of cultural and educational institutions. AMS relies on scholars in music departments, performers in orchestras and ensembles, teachers at music schools, archivists and curators at cultural institutions, and many others to do its work. Without these people and organizational partners, the AMS can’t fulfill its mission.

So, the Society is investing in its ecosystem.

Specifically, the AMS is leveraging $100k 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 will pool 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.

Voluntary association and cooperation can’t replace the funding power of the federal government, but by spearheading this initiative, the AMS hopes to help the entire music and education sector get through the current crisis with as little damage to programs and people as possible. For more information, consult the FAQs below and sign up for the Coalition’s mailing list to get regular updates.

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.