© 2012
The Viola da Gamba Society of America

Career Development Grants-in-Aid

This program is designed to support of the mission of the VdGSA. The program is open to student or regular members of the Society.

Examples of proposals that might be funded:

1. Instruments, bows, travel cases
2. Participation in workshops, master classes or competitions
3. Teacher apprentices at local workshops, mentored by workshop faculty
4. Initiation of programs for beginning viol players and outreach

Other reasonable proposals, including those by instrument makers, will be considered.

Note: You must have been a member of the Society for at least one year before submitting your application.

Application Procedure

1. Before applying, you must contact the President of the Society, briefly stating your intent and your project. (See below for contact information.)
2. The application must clearly explain your qualifications and need, including the total amount requested. (Grants awarded typically range from $500 to a maximum of $1500.)
3. Two letters of recommendation specific to the application will be necessary, one of which may be from your teacher. Both must address your need and qualifications. It is your responsibility to solicit these letters and arrange to have them sent electronically to the President of the VdGSA.
4. Submit supporting documents regarding the request (the application forms for competitions or tuition, the invoice for an instrument, fare confirmations, etc.).
5. If you are applying for a performance-related grant, upload an MP3 file to the application website.
6. The Society encourages you to seek additional financial assistance to augment your Society grant if necessary. Note any initiatives to secure other funding in your application—especially matching grants.
7. The Grants-in-Aid Committee will consider applications twice per year; the deadlines for consideration are June 15 and December 15 of each year.

Selection Process

The President of the Society will appoint a committee to review the applications. The committee will make a recommendation for full, partial, or no funding. The actual amount of any award will be contingent upon sufficient funds being available. The selection process should take no more than four weeks following each semi-annual application deadline.

Award

If sufficient funds are available and the committee recommends funding, the Treasurer will make the award. Awardees will be obliged to report on the use of the funding within 30 days of completing the purchase, travel, competition, or workshop.

Initial Contact

To initiate your application, please first contact the President of the VdGSA by e-mail Wendy Gillespie or by post:
After contacting the President, if you wish to apply on-line go to the application page here.