© 2009
The Viola da Gamba Society of America

This program is designed to assist young professionals whose future is likely to include support of the mission of the VdGSA, although there is no hard and fast age limit. The program is open to student or regular members of the Society only. You may join the Society at the time of application. Grants in Aid have been awarded for workshop participation, instrument and bow purchase, and shipping cases for bass viols. Other reasonable proposals will be considered.

The application may be made either on-line or by mail. The information required is the same in both cases.

Following are the application rules and a description of the selection process.

Application Rules

1. Before applying, you must contact the President of the society, briefly stating your intent and your project. See below for addresses.
2. The application must clearly explain your qualifications and need, including the total amount requested.
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 to the president of the VdGSA.
4. Supporting documents regarding the request must be submitted (the application forms for competitions or tuition, the invoice for an instrument, fare confirmations, etc.).
5. If your performing abilities are not known to the selection committee, a tape, CD or uploaded file must be submitted with the other application materials.
6. In the case of funds requested for instrument purchase, the Society encourages you to seek other sources (usually through a teacher, who often has connections to donors who wish to assist young artists) of matching funds for those from the Society, or to use the Society's funds as a challenge for matching funds elsewhere. Any matching funds or initiatives to secure matching funds should be noted in the application.
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 three judges, none of whom is a teacher, close colleague, or relative of the applicant. Two of the judges will be on a continuing judging panel (unless recused), reviewed and renewed from time to time, while the third may be appointed at any time. The judges will consider your application, discuss it among themselves and make a recommendation for no funding, full funding or partial funding. The actual amount of the award in any case 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, the Treasurer will make the award. Individual members interested in making a contribution toward a specific award or candidate may make gifts to the Society indicating their preferred use. 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

Prior to sending in your application, please first contact the President of the VdGSA:
or email Wendy Gillespie. After contacting the President, if you wish to apply on-line go to the application page here.