Boston Conservatory at Berklee Alumni Grant

The 2026 grant cycle is now open and can be submitted here.

The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Alumni Grant is designed to support alumni in realizing their creative projects by providing the resources needed to explore and develop their unique artistic visions. Through this grant, Boston Conservatory Alumni Affairs funds innovative projects that push boundaries and foster the growth of alumni as artists, citizens, and leaders in their communities. By supporting projects that inspire and have a community impact, this grant empowers artists to create transformative work through a commitment to the world around them. These grants are funded by the Inspiring Hope, Leading Change initiative.

Visit our alumni grant FAQ page for more information, and email Alumni Affairs with any questions.

Apply Here

Eligibility

Applicants must be alumni of Boston Conservatory at Berklee (formerly known as Boston Conservatory).
The application must list all collaborators, which may include alumni, current students, or non-Conservatory-affiliated individuals. If collaborating with fellow Conservatory alumni, only one application needs to be submitted.
Alumni grants are available for projects located outside of Boston, as well as within the city.
Alumni grants will not support traditional competitions, summer festivals, or intensive programs.
Successful applicants must assume leadership roles in their funded projects.

Selection Criteria

Alumni entrepreneurial grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of staff from Alumni Affairs and the Office of the Executive Director. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Artistic Vision and Excellence
• Clarity, originality, and strength of the proposed creative project
• Demonstrated commitment to artistic growth

Impact and Engagement
• Evidence of a commitment to improve and inspire communities and make a positive impact in the world around them

Leadership and Initiative
• Evidence of the applicant’s role as a creative leader, collaborator, or organizer
• Alignment with Boston Conservatory’s values of artistic leadership and innovation

Feasibility and Sustainability
• Clear project goals, timeline, and realistic use of grant funds
• Potential for continued development, future impact, or long-term growth beyond the grant period

Application Cycle

The grant cycle occurs annually in the spring. The intended schedule for the 2026 Grant Program is as follows:

Applications open: Sunday, March 1
Application deadline: Tuesday, March 31
Review: Throughout April
Winners announced: End of April

Grant Criteria

Successful applicants will incorporate proof of artistic expression that inspires, engages, and creates lasting social change. The power of the arts can truly change the world.

Awards and Funding

Grant awards are variable, and the committee may choose to partially fund projects. Successfully funded projects must be completed within one year of the grant award. Funds are designated exclusively for the project and may not be used for personal compensation.

Awardees will also be offered an interview for publication on the Boston Conservatory at Berklee website and social media platforms, as well as consultation on marketing and branding with Alumni Affairs’ director of digital engagement. Awardees are required to collaborate with Alumni Affairs on strategy and career-related meetings, opportunities, and initiatives. Additionally, awardees must provide high-resolution photography and video documentation of their projects to Alumni Affairs.

Learn more about past recipients below.

2025 Grant Recipients

Connor Berkompas (BFA '17, theater) and the Minneapolis debut of DANCING ANIMALS
Laila Franklin (BFA '19, contemporary dance) and BABYBABYBABY
Alyssa Payne (BFA '22, theater) and F Word
Carlos Vargas (BM '09, MM '11, piano) and Roxbury Concert Series.

2024 Grant Recipients

Leah Abbott (BFA '21, contemporary dance) and the Welcome Home: Trust youRSELF project, commissioned by Boston Moving Arts
Esther Farley (BFA '21, contemporary dance) and Bodies of Water
Zeniba Now (BFA '14, musical theater) and The Thirst Trap musical

2023 Grant Recipients

Jennifer Bewerse (MM '10, cello) and Music for Your Inbox
Mariya Ksondzyk (MM '19, viola) and Music Unbarred
Aliana de la Guardia (BM '07, opera; MM '09, vocal performance) and Bahué
Justin Ralls (BM '10, composition) and Opera Theater Oregon
Holly Cinnamon (MFA '16, theater) and Transcend

2019 Grant Recipients

Karen Peterson Corash (BFA '76, contemporary dance) and Karen Peterson Dancers
Clifton Ingram (MM '14, composition) and Rested Field
Marina Krickler (MM '10, french horn) and Andromeda Quintet

2018 Grant Recipients

Alexis Scheer (BFA '14, musical theater) and Off the Grid Theater Company
Taylor Rodman (BFA '16, contemporary dance) and Bombshell Dance Project
Felicia Chen (MM '17, contemporary classical music) and Mazumal

Previous Recipients

Rachel Azrak (MM '11; GPD '13, flute), Thom Smoker (MM '11, voice) and SoulCove Center for the Arts
Chelsea Beatty Lewis (BM '09, voice) and Boston Opera Collaborative
Bonnie Cochran (MM '00, flute) and InConcert
Brian Calhoon (MM '09, percussion) and Boston Percussion Group (BPeG)
Ian Gollub (MMEd '12) and Global Learning Charter Jazz Initiative
Mike Hardin (MM '13, percussion) and Soundry
Kate Ladenheim (BFA '11, dance) and CRAWL
Matthew Smith (MM '15, cello) and Palaver Strings Outreach