Grantmaking
Over the last year, RMF used 100% of donations to support music programs and projects that advance and advocate music education and appreciation. In total, RMF provided more than $300,000 to nearly two dozen music organizations and area projects!
TYPES OF GRANTS AVAILABLE THROUGH RMF:
Only organizations that provide programming primarily in Berks County are eligible for funding.
- Programs that Advance Music Education
- Music-making experiences for musicians of all levels
- Programs that Advocate Music Education
- Working with area school districts to enhance and nurture music curriculums, music educators, and more
- Programs that Advance Music Appreciation
- Develop new audiences, engage existing audiences, and foster increased access to live music
- Programs that Advocate Music Appreciation
- Collaboration among music and non-music organizations to bring attention to the impact music has on individuals and our community
APPLICATIONS
Organizations/Individuals who have not applied to RMF in the past should send a LOI before completing application. All projects/programs must take place primarily in Berks County.
Projects/Program Requests more than $1,500 – applications considered annually
- Deadline For Organizations with July-June Fiscal Year: Friday, February 28, 2025
- 2025-2026 Full Grant Application – Final
- 2025-2026 Special Project Application – Final
- Deadline for Organizations with January-December Fiscal Year: October 15, 2025 (Application to be posted by September 1, 2025)
Gertrude Sternbergh Concert Soloist Fund: Funding support of up to $6,000 is available for 2024-2025 through the Gertrude Sternbergh Concert Soloist Fund of Reading Musical Foundation, dedicated to covering soloist fees for local music organizations.
- Gertrude Sternbergh Concert Soloist Fund Application
- Deadline to Apply: Friday, February 28, 2025
Projects/Program Requests less than $1,500 – applications considered by RMF’s Outreach Committee
- Deadlines: Last Friday in April, August, and December
- Outreach Grant Application
CURRENT GRANTS FOR MUSIC EDUCATION & APPRECIATION
- Barrio Alegria – La Salita & Alleyway Concerts
- Berks Arts – Get JazzEd, Summer Jazz Camp & MEBC Festivals
- Berks Opera Company – Concert Performances & Unleashing Your Inner Opera Fan
- Berks Sinfonietta – Concert Performances
- Berks Youth Chorus – Scholarships & Summer Sing
- Friends of Chamber Music – Concert Performances & Outreach Programs
- GoggleWorks Music Project – Sound Studio Intensive/Music Industry Program
- Hannahoe Vigil – Celebration of Tom Hannahoe/Graveside Performance
- Olivet Boys & Girls Club – Summer Music + 12 Hours of Weekly Music Classes
- Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir – Concert Performances
- Reading Choral Society – Concert, Education, and Outreach Programs
- Reading Philharmonic Orchestra – Concert, Education & Outreach Programs
- Reading Pops Orchestra – Concert, Education & Outreach Programs
- Reading Theater Project – Funding New Music & Production Expenses
- Reading Symphony Orchestra – Concert, Education & Outreach Programs
- Ringgold Band – Concert, Education & Outreach Programs
- Sunday Sinfonia – Concert, Education & Outreach Programs
- Vox Philia – Concert Expenses
- WCR Center for the Arts – Teacher Recitals and Concert Expenses
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education – Early Childhood Music Theater & Jazz Programs
RMF Programs:
- Artists of Tomorrow Concert – RMF Scholarship Recitals
- Berks Summer Band Institute – Free Summer Band Program
- Berks Summer String Institute – Free Summer String Program
- Music-in-the-Schools Program – Professional Assemblies for Elementary Schools
- Outreach Programs – After-School Programs, Special Grants, Etc.
- Scholarship Programs – Ensures Every Qualified Need-Sensitive Applicant Receives a Scholarship
- Student Recognition Programs – Annual Award Program to Recognize Outstanding Musicianship & Teamwork, Jazz Musicianship, Accompanists, and STEAM Awards for STEM-Excelling Musicians
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