Alumni Grant Program

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

Alumni Entrepreneurial Grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of staff, representing Alumni Affairs, Career Center, 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

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

Examples of  projects include, but are by no means 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

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 the following benefits:

• Interview for publication on the Boston Conservatory at Berklee website, social media, and the following issue of STAGES magazine
• Consultation on social media, marketing, and branding with multimedia and production manager in Alumni Affairs between April and June of the year of the award

Awardees will meet with Alumni Affairs following the awarding of the grant. All awardees are required to work with Alumni Affairs on various marketing, strategy, and career-related meetings, opportunities, and initiatives. Awardees must provide high-resolution photography and video of their projects to Alumni Affairs.

2023 Grant Recipients

• Jennifer Bewerse (M.M. ‘10, Cello) and Music For Your Inbox
• Mariya Ksondzyk (M.M.‘19, Viola) and Music Unbarred
• Aliana de la Guardia (BM ‘07, Opera / MM ‘09, Vocal Performance) and Bahué
• Justin Ralls (B.M. ‘10, Composition) and Opera Theater Oregon
• Holly Cinnamon (M.F.A. ‘16, Theater) and Transcend

2019 Grant Recipients

• Karen Peterson Corash (B.F.A. '76, contemporary dance) and Karen Peterson Dancers
• Clifton Ingram (M.M. '14, composition) and Rested Field
• Marina Krickler (M.M. '10, french horn) and Andromeda Quintet

2018 Grant Recipients

• Alexis Scheer (B.F.A. '14, musical theater) and Off the Grid Theater Company
• Taylor Rodman (B.F.A. '16, contemporary dance) and Bombshell Dance Project
• Felicia Chen (M.M. '17, contemporary classical music) and Mazumal

Previous Grant Recipients

• Rachel Azrak (M.M. '11, G.P.D. '13, flute) and Thom Smoker (M.M. '11,voice) and SoulCove Center for the Arts
• Chelsea Beatty Lewis (B.M. '09, voice) and Boston Opera Collaborative
• Bonnie Cochran (M.M. '00, flute) and InConcert
• Brian Calhoon (M.M. '09, percussion) and Boston Percussion Group (BPeG)
• Ian Gollub (M.M.Ed. '12) and Global Learning Charter Jazz Initiative
• Mike Hardin (M.M. '13, percussion) and Soundry
• Kate Ladenheim (B.F.A. '11, dance) and CRAWL
• Matthew Smith (M.M. '15, cello) and Palaver Strings Outreach