Ensemble Forward

About this program

Chamber Music America’s Ensemble Forward program, supported by the New York Community Trust, provides $10,000 grants to help New York City chamber ensembles strengthen their organizational structure and business development through work with up to two consultants. Eligible projects may address strategic planning, marketing, finances, fundraising, technology, audience development, or related organizational needs, and must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Applicants must be ensembles of 2–10 musicians based in one of New York City’s five boroughs that perform Western European classical or contemporary chamber music, with at least one U.S. citizen or permanent resident member; first-year, student, opera, choral, and primarily media-music ensembles are ineligible. Applications, including a consultant proposal, budget, résumé(s), audio sample, and photographs, are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 24, 2026, and awardees must participate in CMA’s Learning Residentials and related professional development activities.