Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants support the development of new operas by women-identifying composers, advancing the important objective to increase gender parity and diversity across the field.

Discovery Grants support women-identifying composers in their exploration of opera as an artistic medium, providing funding for activities such as libretto readings, workshops, and working performances. 

OPERA America believes that different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences, and personal stories enrich the operatic repertoire. OPERA America is committed to supporting creators who reflect the diversity of the nation.

Opera Grants for Women Composers are supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Grant Details

OPERA America invites proposals for grants of up to $15,000 from composers who identify as women and can document their ability to compose theatrical works for the trained voice and instrumental ensemble.

Eligibility: Applicants must self-identify as women composers and have U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. See the Guidelines below for additional eligibility requirements.

Application Cycle

How to Apply

Review the grant guidelines and application worksheets to apply. All applications must be submitted through OPERA America’s grants dashboard.

Apply Now

Grant Guidelines & Worksheets
Below you will find the guidelines, intent to apply questions, and application questions from the previous cycle of this grant program. They are for reference purposes only, and are intended to provide an understanding of the program in advance of the release of this year's guidelines and questions. 

• 2022–2023 Guidelines (PDF)
• Intent to Apply Questions (PDF)
• Application Questions (PDF)
• Budget Template (XLSX)

For questions about applications or eligibility, contact us at Grants@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5236.

Meet the Grantees