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Special Awards in the Arts Program (2026 Music Awards) is sponsored by Gerbode Foundation. The Gerbode Foundation's Special Awards in the Arts program supports the creation of new works in dance, theater production, and music composition.
The 2026 Music Awards round focuses on commissioning individual music creators (composers, folk & traditional artists, songwriters, producers, and sound designers) through Bay Area nonprofit arts presenting organizations.
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Special Awards in the Arts — Gerbode Foundation Special Awards in the Arts Special Awards in the Arts Since its founding in 1987, the Gerbode Foundation’s Special Awards in the Arts program has been a cornerstone in advancing new work across dance, theater, and music composition. The program champions culturally and aesthetically diverse voices—supporting emerging, mid-career, and legacy artists alike.
Through these grants, local nonprofit arts organizations have been able to commission and produce original works, while Bay Area audiences have benefited from a vibrant showcase of the region’s most innovative artists. Please click here to view Special Awards in the Arts recipients since 1987. This program is made possible with generous support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Program Updates and Key Dates 2026 Music Awards round announced. Read full press release here . View and download Program Guidelines here .
Download Application Form (Word) here . Our application process is designed as a supportive, multi-stage journey— offering opportunities to learn, connect, and refine your proposal along the way. Explore & Connect: sign-up for Application Workshops + Drop-in Sessions Deep Engagement & Project Development: sign-up for 1:1 Consultations with Program Director Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 4pm (PT) Program deadline.
Application materials must be received by Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 4:00pm (PT) . Application materials must be emailed to special. awards@gerbode.
org . Gerbode Foundation staff will confirm receipt of all applications once received; there is no need to follow up. The Gerbode Foundation will celebrate 40 years of the Special Awards in the Arts program with all lead artists and organizations supported by the program.
Please include your contact email here to receive any upcoming announcements about attending the 40th-year celebration (Date and details TBD). Program Contact Information Email: special. awards@gerbode.
org
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Individual artists may not apply directly; they must be commissioned by an eligible applicant organization. Eligible applicant organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, or Sonoma County, with a strong track record of producing/presenting new music projects and a history of working with and paying artists. The organization must pay a minimum fee of $12,500 to the commissioned lead artist(s) or $10,000 for each artist in a collaboration. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $50,000 (commissioning fees for artists). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was July 21, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Special Awards in the Arts Program (2026 Music Awards) is funded by Gerbode Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program