Proposals may be submitted by non-profit professional performance ensembles, presenting institutions, and non-profit or commercial recording companies. Fiscally sponsored professional ensembles, presenters and individuals may also apply. Non-professionals and students are not eligible.

Projects sponsored by universities and similar educational institutions are not eligible. For instances in which a proposal is made in support of an independent professional ensemble in residence at a university, but the ensemble does not have separate 501(c)(3) status, the university may serve as the fiscal sponsor, but the ensemble must be the applicant.