Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants provide support for the development of new operas by women composers, advancing the important objective to increase gender parity and diversity across the field.
Discovery Grants support women 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 dedicated to supporting creators who reflect the diversity of the nation.
Opera Grants for Women Composers are supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants provide awards of up to $15,000.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be individual composers who identify as cis or trans women composers. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents or possess Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. See the Guidelines below for additional eligibility requirements.
| Intent to apply deadline: (required for access to full application) |
December 18, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Application deadline: | January 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Grantees notified: | February 2026 |
| Grant period: | April 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 |
UPCOMING DEADLINE: January 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m
