The funding of early music organizations in the United States and Canada

The early music movement is one of the fastest growing segments of classical music. Once considered a fringe element, public interest in the concerts and recordings of early music has grown enormously. In a 1988 study of the field conducted by Thomas Forrest Kelly, the author concludes that, while early music is artistically strong, it receives little financial support from government, corporate, or foundation funding sources. Through a detailed survey sent to 329 early music organizations, this author assesses the funding base of early music in the United States and Canada. The data reveals that there is considerable growth in terms of activity, and some support from governmental, corporate, and foundation funding sources. Most notable in the results are two observations: the majority of organizations responding are not legally empowered as 501(c)(3) (tax-exempt) organizations, and that levels of contributed income from individuals varies greatly.