Organizer Information

New York Women Composers, Inc. (NYWC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the music of women composers associated with New York. Through its annual Seed Money Grant, the organization empowers performers and presenting organizations to explore and showcase works from its extensive and diverse membership catalog.

Title & Description

The Seed Money Grant Program 2026.

This performance-focused grant (not a commissioning grant) provides a financial foundation for concert projects that demonstrate a substantial commitment to music by current NYWC members. The program is designed to foster new collaborations, requiring awardees to issue a "call for scores" to the NYWC membership to ensure the discovery of new works and composers.

Performance Formats:

Applicants must choose one of two formats:

  1. Focused Concert: A single concert featuring works by 3+ current NYWC members (at least half of the total concert length). At least one composer must be new to the performers.
  2. Disseminated Performances: A minimum of 5 different current NYWC members featured across two or more concerts in a single season. At least two composers must be new to the performers.

Categories

Music, Classical Music, Contemporary Music, Performance, Composition.

Eligibility

  • Performers: Open to solo performers, ensembles, and presenting organizations.
  • Identity: Applicants do not need to identify as women; the program focuses on the identity of the composers featured.
  • Membership: Applicants do not need to be NYWC members.
  • Location: Concerts are not required to take place in New York; global applications are welcome.
  • Restrictions: No individual or group will be funded in two consecutive years.

Program Benefits and Awards

  • Grant Amount: $1,000 USD.
  • Promotion: Selected projects are promoted across NYWC’s social media channels and newsletter.
  • Networking: Recipients receive a score call template to connect directly with the NYWC membership for new repertoire.

Fees

  • Application Fee: None (Free to enter).

Application Requirements

All materials must be submitted electronically and include:

  • Project Outline: A brief description of the proposed concert(s).
  • Work Samples: A sample sound recording showcasing performance quality.
  • Biographical Materials: Professional bio and promotional materials.
  • Commitment: Willingness to issue a call for scores and share final documentation (photos/video/program) with NYWC.

How to Apply?

Complete the electronic application form via Google Docs. Apply to the NYWC Seed Money Grant here.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026.
  • Decision Notification: Early July 2026.
  • Performance Window: September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028.

Location

Global (Performances can be worldwide).

Additional Details

Applications are judged on project visibility, variety of instrumentation, performance quality, and community outreach potential. Selected artists will be asked to host a short introductory session (in-person or via Zoom) for NYWC composers before issuing their call for scores. For inquiries, contact newyorkwomencomposers@gmail.com.

Website Link: NYWC Seed Money Grants Page