Announcing PRESTO: a grant program supporting El Sistema-inspired programs in their first five years through funding, group learning, and mentorship.
El Sistema USA is no longer accepting applications for its new Program for Rising El Sistema Organizations: PRESTO. Thank you to everyone that applied for the PRESTO program through El Sistema USA! The application period is now closed. We will be announcing our PRESTO grant cohort by the first week in July 2018.
El Sistema USA received a one million dollar grant from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation to support the growth and sustainability of the El Sistema movement in the United States. PRESTO will identify up to 15 members of El Sistema USA within their first five years of program activity and invest in them financially and programmatically.
Through PRESTO, El Sistema USA will provide funding, mentoring, and training over a three-year period, beginning the Summer of 2018 through the Summer of 2021. El Sistema USA has partnered with the Duke University Center for Nonprofit Management to provide high-level professional development through a 3-year curriculum, where grantees will explore best practices in leadership and management, as well as topics specific to El Sistema-inspired programs. PRESTO cohort members will also receive matching funds to support their organization’s growth and capacity development and be paired with an El Sistema USA mentor to support their learning and PRESTO experience.
Programs selected will demonstrate high potential through their close alignment to the values and member qualifications of ESUSA. Successful applicants will request and receive three-year matching grant awards of:
- Year One: $20-$40,000 based on applicant total budget, requiring a 50% match of new philanthropic giving
- Year Two: $15-$30,000, requiring a 100% match of new philanthropic giving
- Year Three: $10-$20,000 with no required match, but required presentations and reports to extend learning in the field.
Media Inquiries Please Contact:
Katie Wyatt, Executive Director of El Sistema USA
919-451-0077 or [email protected]
About El Sistema USA (ESUSA)
El Sistema-inspired programs provide no-cost music instruction to children living in poverty. ESUSA’s diverse membership across the United States represents programs that serve some of the most vulnerable communities and children in the country. We aim to provide connections to knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership development for program directors, teaching artists, students, and volunteers. Members collaborate to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts. ESUSA serves three major purposes: strengthening existing nucléos through capacity development and research, encouraging the formation of new nucléos through providing resources, connections and training, and building awareness of El Sistema at large throughout the United States.
About the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation makes grants in three priority areas: Conservation, Performing Arts and Social Causes. Learn more at http://pmangellfamfound.org