John Oliver Memorial Grant Application

This award will be for a performance of a significant choral work with one or more soloists, with or without instrumental accompaniment, that is either new or rarely performed. The applying chorus must be composed primarily of adult non-professional singers (though it may include paid section leaders or similar professional involvement).

Priority will be given to proposals based on the following attributes:

  • There is involvement of the soloist(s) with the chorus through a masterclass, residency, or similar singer development program.
  • The featured work inspires interest in the choral arts and is likely to receive future performances.
  • The applying chorus has an established record of successful performances, as shown by performance records and recordings. Longevity of the chorus is not as important as current level of accomplishment, though the group must be established.
  • The project has other features that exemplify the legacy of John Oliver.

Application deadline is January 8, 2027 11:59 pm ET.

Grant decisions will be announced in February 2027.

For more information about this grant, or to view a printable pdf of the application questions, please visit Choral Arts New England's website. If you experience issues with this application form, please email choralartsnewengland@gmail.com.

1. Project Overview
Project Narrative

Our reviewers appreciate clear, brief answers. Take care not to duplicate information between questions unnecessarily. Maximum answer length per question: 1,000 characters.

In a few words, describe the overall project, including the performance program and venue (as far as known).
Briefly describe the principal choral work(s) to be performed, including performance history, and artistic significance. How is this performance likely to inspire interest in the choral arts? How does the work merit future performances?
Describe any interaction beyond the performance that the soloist(s) will have with members of the chorus, such as a workshop, Masterclass, special presentation, or similar vocal development program. How will this activity benefit the chorus members?
Give a brief biography of the soloist(s), including qualifications for the performance and for the interaction with the chorus members. Does the soloist have a particular expertise to share with the chorus or a past record of similar singer development presentations?
Who do you plan to reach with this performance? Who will you perform this piece for in your community? What is your plan for encouraging their participation?
Give a brief description of the performing chorus, including singer composition and any selection/auditioning process, and a short performance history. Are any singers in the chorus paid?
Project Budget
$
Please include a short table with the major project expenses, including any costs for artistic personnel, soloist workshop fees, venues for performance and workshop activities, and other expenses.
Please list anticipated sources of income for this project other than the Oliver grant, such as grants, restricted gifts, collaborator contributions/payments, performance ticket income, operating budget, etc.
Applying Organization's Information
Your application must include a copy of the IRS 501(c) tax status determination letter. If the applying organization does not have 501(c) status, you must include a copy of that letter naming the 501(c) parent organization, along with a letter of support from that parent organization. Files must be less than 10 MB.
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg jpeg png tif pdf.
Examples Of Performing Chorus’s Past Artistic Success

Please attach or link two audio or video files to help the reviewers understand the performing organization's artistic perspective and ability to carry out the proposed project.

Recordings may be rehearsal or performance of movements or complete works from the last five years, and should be limited to a total duration of less than 15 minutes. Recordings may be linked or uploaded, and work title and composer (and link, if any) should be included in the description box along with any other relevant contextualizing information.

First Example
Files must be less than 128 MB.
Allowed file types: mp3 wav.
Please provide the title and composer for each work, and any other brief, relevant contextualizing information. (Max 500 characters)
Second Example
Files must be less than 128 MB.
Allowed file types: mp3 wav.
Please provide the title and composer for each work, and any other brief, relevant contextualizing information. (Max 500 characters)
Submit

After uploading ALL your files, be sure to press the "Submit" button here. Once you submit, no further changes may be made. If you have difficulties with this form, please contact us at choralartsnewengland@gmail.com