Grant Application Information

Thank you for your interest in the Opera Buffs. Our mission is to assist promising young artists in Southern California who are building careers in opera. We purposely keep our grant guidelines flexible, but the following generally applies.

You will NOT be considered for a grant until we have heard you in our auditions. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR A GRANT UNTIL AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS OF YOUR AUDITION.

We have no maximum age limit, but favor young singers, generally under 30 and over 18, who show evidence of current talent and future career promise.

Click here for more information on how to audition for the Opera Buffs.

Initial grants are generally in the range of $500 to $1,500, very rarely for more.

Singers will only be awarded one grant per season, so please do not apply twice within a season.

Singers may request further funding in the following season(s). Evidence of vocal improvement and/or career advancement are the chief criteria for granting additional funds. We look favorably on singers who have corresponded with us periodically after receiving a grant, to keep us updated on their career developments.

In addition to direct grants, we provide paid performance opportunities through our concerts, salons, masterclasses and opera productions. Participation is by invitation only, and is based on various factors but usually including participation in one of our auditions.

Note that we can award grants only to artists who have a valid U.S. Social Security number and who are entitled to earn money in the United States.

Instructions
1. Click the button below to fill out the application.
2. Keep a copy of the application for your records.
3. IF you have an immediate and time sensitive need, be sure to indicate the date by which you need a response.

Review Process
The Opera Buffs grant committee is composed of Opera Buffs’ staff and arts professionals who review the grant submissions on the first Friday of every month. We may contact you to ask questions during the process. When a decision has been reached, you will be notified by email. Decisions are generally reached and results communicated within two weeks of the grant review date.

In rare circumstances, we will accommodate your grant request immediately, IF the need is dire and is time sensitive. Please indicate this in the comments section of your application along with a thorough explanation as to why the need is immediate.