Funding may be requested by professional opera companies, theater companies, dance companies, orchestras, ensembles, and other concert groups for performances of musical works by Kurt Weill and/or Marc Blitzstein. Applications are reviewed by an independent advisory panel per the KWF’s Evaluation Procedures and Criteria. Priority is given to funding the additional costs specific to the particular work of Weill’s or Blitzstein’s or presentation thereof. As such, please specify the nature of the funding request within the narrative and budget sections of the grant application.

The annual application deadline is 1 November for proposals for projects and performances taking place on or after 1 January of the coming year and before 1 July of the year following. For example, the application deadline is 1 November 2024 for proposals for projects and performances taking place on or after 1 January 2025 and before 1 July 2026. (Proposals for retroactive funding of projects or performances will not be accepted.)

An additional application deadline of 1 June is primarily intended for College/University Performance grants for productions taking place in the following academic year.

Applications for support of major professional productions/festivals/exhibitions, etc., may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis without application deadlines.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Brady Sansone, Director of Programs and Business Affairs, (bsansone@kwf.org) to discuss their proposal prior to submission.

Please note:

All works must be presented in their original versions and orchestrations, with the exception of the following authorized arrangements:

• Chansons des quais/Songs of the Waterfront
• The Cradle Will Rock: both the 14-player arrangement by Josh Clayton, and the piano-only version.
• Kleine Zaubernachtmusik
• One Touch of Venus: authorized reduced orchestration for 10 players
• Die sieben Todsünden: 15-player orchestration by HK Gruber and Christian Muthspiel. The arrangement for low voice by Brückner-Rüggeberg is not eligible for support, however.
• Symphonic Nocturne from Lady in the Dark
• Trains Bound for Glory

Additionally, the following works not written by Weill or Blitzstein are eligible for support:

• Lenya Story: Ein Liebeslied (2017 play with music based on the lives of Lenya and Weill; German-language only)
• LoveMusik (2007 musical based on the lives and letters of Weill and Lenya)

Compilation properties or concerts consisting of individual Weill or Blitzstein songs do not qualify for support.

Musical adaptations and proposals in which the music serves in an incidental or background capacity are not eligible for funding.

Costs of new translations or adaptations of dramatic works are not eligible for funding (although the productions themselves may be).

“Indirect costs,” administrative expenses, and institutional overhead are not eligible for funding.

Application Requirements

All proposals must include:

1. A completed Application Form (in English).
2. A detailed description of the project (in English).
3. A mission statement and summary of activities and past achievements of the applicant.
4. An itemized budget showing entire project expenses, income, and projected sources of funding. Applicants must notify the Foundation if other grants are awarded.
5. Bios of conductor, director, principal cast/soloists, as applicable.
6. Proof of not-for-profit standing.
7. Work sample: a video or audio recording of a past performance, not to exceed 20 minutes in length, demonstrating the artistic merit of the applicant’s previous performances.
8. Select reviews of recent presentations by the applicant.
9. Documentation of the applicant’s commitment to implementing and enforcing policies that ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in its practices.

Professional Performance Grant Application