Boston Conservatory at Berklee Alumni Grant

This grant program empowers Conservatory alumni to explore and develop their unique programmatic ideas in the arts. Our grants fund innovative and impactful projects that expand our alumni’s toolkits as artist leaders. 

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be alumni of Boston Conservatory at Berklee (previously named Boston Conservatory).
  • The application must include the names of all collaborators. These may include (but are not limited to) alumni, current students, or non-Conservatory-affiliated colleagues. If collaborating on a project with fellow Conservatory alumni, only one application needs to be submitted.
  • Alumni grants are not limited to activities based in Boston.
  • Alumni grants will not fund traditional competitions, summer festival activities, or intensives.
  • Successfully funded Conservatory alumni will assume leadership roles for their projects.

Selection Criteria

Alumni entrepreneurial grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of staff, representing Alumni Affairs and the Office of the Executive Director. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • a clear statement of the project’s description, purpose, and benefit
  • an acceptable project timeline that is realistic and achievable
  • a clearly organized budget and marketing plan
  • a sustainable approach to the project and future endeavors
  • applicable media to support the project’s vision
  • demonstration of need for the grant

Application Cycle

The grant cycle occurs annually in the spring. The intended schedule for the 2025 Grant Program is as follows:

  • February: Applications Open
  • March: Application Review
  • April: Winners Announced

Grant Projects 

Alumni grant projects can range in vision and scope. The projects should demonstrate a value and benefit to the community outside of Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Successful applicants will be able to establish a connection to diversity and inclusion in their proposals.

Examples of potential grant-funded projects include (but are not limited to):

  • developing interdisciplinary partnerships within the performing arts community
  • launching performing arts management endeavors
  • exploring unique performance styles, venues, and audiences
  • developing innovative applications to enhance the study and appreciation of the performing arts
  • providing supplementary artistic programming/education/activities to the community

Awards and Funding

Grant awards are variable, and the committee may choose to partially fund projects. Successfully funded projects are to be completed within one full year of awarding the grant. Awarded funds are solely designated to the project and are not to be used for personal compensation.

Awardees are also granted an interview for publication on the Boston Conservatory at Berklee website and social media platforms, as well as consultation on marketing/branding with the Alumni Affairs Director of Digital Engagement. Awardees are required to work with Alumni Affairs on various strategy and career-related meetings, opportunities, and initiatives. Awardees must provide high-resolution photography and video of their projects to Alumni Affairs.

Learn more about past recipients below. Please email Georgia Lipari at glipari@berklee.edu with any questions.