Apply for Funding to Host an In-Person Sessions or Events
Deadline: Rolling, 15 January, 12:00 p.m. EST – 16 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT
Apply Now!Overview & Eligibility
In 2026, the American Musicological Society (AMS) is providing funding for AMS chapters, study groups, and committees to organize and host in-person viewing sessions and specially organized events during the 2026 Online AMS Annual Meeting. The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting will be held online on Saturday and Sunday, 14–15 November 2026 and Thursday and Friday, 19–20 November 2026.
The goal of this funding is to encourage in-person gatherings of AMS members and constituents throughout the 2026 Annual Meeting and thereby maintain and strengthen the networks and interpersonal connections that might otherwise be disrupted by a fully online meeting. In-person events may include performances, panels, workshops, lectures, or other professional networking sessions, in addition to mixers or receptions organized around a featured session on the online program. The AMS is offering funding of up to $3,500 to AMS affiliates for the purpose of organizing such events. All AMS chapters, study groups, and committees are eligible to apply. Affiliates interested in partnering with another organization are encouraged to reach out to institutional members of the Society’s Coalition of Music Organizations (see this list of Coalition members).
To be considered, proposals must either be submitted by a duly elected or appointed leader of the relevant chapter, study group, or committee, or be received along with a letter from such a leader authorizing the proposal submission on behalf of that chapter, study group, or committee. If awarded, funds may be used to cover a range of expenses associated with the organization of in-person viewing sessions and special events, including catering, venue, speaker fees, videography and technical support, etc. Proposals in excess of $3,500 will not be considered. Funding is not guaranteed, and the AMS reserves the right to award less than the requested amount.
Recommended Proposal Design
The ideal proposal design is one that sandwiches an in-person reception, coffee break, brown bag lunch, or other in-person networking event between an in-person intellectual or professional session and an online one. This allows participants to participate in the online conference, while making the most of in-person connections and experiences. For example:
- Live viewing of online session
- Coffee break or professional networking event
- In-person session or performance (streamed or recorded)
However, it may not always be possible to submit proposals with those three separate elements, so the Society will consider proposals that have only two of the three.
Public Information Session
A public information session on preparing a funding proposal was held via Zoom on 7 January 2026. A recording of this session and its accompanying PowerPoint has been posted for those who were unable to attend.
Date & Time Blocks
The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting – Online will take place on Saturday/Sunday, 14–15 November 2026 and Thursday/Friday, 19–20 November 2026. The official conference time zone is New York City (Eastern Time). To better accommodate attendees in time zones around the world, conference events will be scheduled in the following time blocks:
- Time Block A: 10:00am – 4:00pm ET (ET day)
- 10:00am – 11:30am
- 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- 2:00pm – 3:30pm
- Time Block B: 6:00pm – 10:30pm ET (ET evening)
- 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- 8:00pm – 9:30pm
- Intersession (primarily for in-person events that will not be live-streamed)
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Proposal submitters may submit scheduling requests at the time of funding application. If funded, scheduling requests will be approved at the same time.
Required Application Materials
- a proposal for the event (maximum 500 words)
- a description (maximum 500 words) explaining the concept of the activity or event and its musicological significance or relevance
- a description of the proposed space in which the event will take place, and from which it will be recorded and/or streamed
- a list of participants (if applicable)
- a detailed budget (up to $3,500)
Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis, beginning on 15 January 2026. Submit early to increase the chances of receiving funding. Applications will be accepted up until 16 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT. Individual exceptions cannot be made to this deadline, so please plan accordingly. Decision notices will be sent out on a rolling basis.
Apply Now!
