Empowerment for Impact & Growth
Forecasted
Empowerment for Impact & Growth supports professional jazz ensembles with new recordings, public release concerts, and professional development to engage audiences and build long-term sustainability.
Funder: Chamber Music America
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: 10 grants of $20,000 each; 100% of eligible expenses; no matching funds required
Summary: Supports jazz ensembles through new recordings, public release concerts, and professional development for long-term sustainability.
Key Information: CMA Organization Membership is required, and at least two ensemble members must attend every Impact Accelerator workshop.
Description
Empowerment for Impact & Growth is administered by Chamber Music America (CMA), funded by the Doris Duke Foundation, and part of the Doris Duke Jazz Ensembles Project. It supports professional jazz ensembles creating new recordings featuring improvisation as an integral part of composition, accompanied by public release concerts.
The program combines creative funding with the CMA Impact Accelerator, a required 10-week curriculum covering strategic planning, financial literacy, operational management, marketing, and technology. Consultations with CMA staff support project progress. The program aims to strengthen ensemble longevity, expand access to jazz, engage current and new audiences, and foster appreciation for the music. It particularly values the career impact of a first recording or a recording following a gap exceeding five years.
