Alumni Update Form

If you're an alumni of the NDCP, please complete the form HERE - we'd love to hear from you and share and support your current activities and achievements!

Alumni Futures Grant

The Fall Alumni Futures Grant is open! The application is HERE. The deadline for submission is Thursday, October 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM EDT. Additional details are below.

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Purpose of the Grant

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The Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion (NDCP) Alumni Futures Grant was created to support NDCP alumni in pursuing professional opportunities and sustaining their growth as artists and musicians. By helping subsidize expenses including, but not limited to, travel and lodging for auditions and performances, recording sessions, summer programs or internships, equipment acquisition, and other professional development opportunities, the NDCP Alumni Futures Grant empowers alumni to pursue future endeavors and career goals.

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Through this grant, NDCP alumni can continue to refine their skills, serve as leaders in their field, and make a positive impact within the concert percussion community.

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Note: Grant determinations are final and cannot be appealed. However, alumni whose applications are not selected are encouraged to apply again during future grant cycles.
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Eligibility and Timeline

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Context

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The NDCP offers two opportunities each year to apply for the Alumni Futures Grant:

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• Fall Application Cycle (September 2026)

• Spring Application Cycle (March 2027)

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These two application periods are designed to align with professional needs, academic needs, and timelines of NDCP alumni.

 

Eligibility

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All NDCP alumni are eligible to apply for the grant under the following guidelines:

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• Applicants may receive up to $500 total in grant funding across both application periods during the academic year (Fall 2026 – Spring 2027).

• The combined total of NDCP grant funding received by an applicant may not exceed $500 between September 2026 and March 2027.

• For Fall 2026, applicants may request up to $500.

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Example Scenarios

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Scenario 1

I apply for the NDCP Alumni Futures Grant in Fall 2026 because I need a new snare drum and request $500. I receive the full $500 award. Because I already received the maximum amount for the academic year, I am not eligible to apply again in Spring 2027. I may apply again beginning in Fall 2027, when eligibility resets for the new academic year.

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Scenario 2

I do not apply during Fall 2026. Instead, I apply during Spring 2027. Since I have not received any grant funding during the academic year, I am still eligible to request up to $500.

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Scenario 3

I apply during Fall 2026 and receive $250. Because I have already received $250, I may only request up to $250 during the Spring 2027 application cycle.

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Scenario 4

I apply during Fall 2026 and request $500, but I am awarded $350. Because I only received $350, I remain eligible for up to $150 during the Spring 2027 cycle. If I choose not to apply during Spring 2027, the unused $150 does not carry over into the next academic year. Eligibility resets to $500 beginning with the Fall 2027 – Spring 2028 grant cycle.

 

Payment Options

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Applicants may choose one of the following payment methods:

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1. Reimbursement

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Under the reimbursement option:

1. The awardee pays for an eligible item or activity.

2. The awardee submits receipts or proof of purchase to the NDCP in the Alumni Grant application.

3. The NDCP reviews the documentation and reimburses the awardee.

 

2. Upfront Funding

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Under the upfront funding option:

1. The applicant requests funding based on the anticipated cost of an eligible item or activity (budget estimate must be included in application).

2. If awarded, the NDCP provides funds upfront.

3. The awardee uses the funds for the approved purchase or activity.

4. The awardee submits receipts or proof of fund usage by the documentation deadline (December 1 for Fall application cycle).

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If any awarded funds are not used for the approved purpose, the unused amount must be returned to the NDCP.

 

Example:

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An awardee receives $350 for travel expenses but only spends $250, the remaining $100 must be returned to the NDCP.

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Please refer to the graphic below for further information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fall Timeline

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• Application Window: Opens September 1, 2026, – Due October 1, 2026

• Notification of Awards: No later than October 15, 2026

• Funding Disbursement Begins: November 1, 2026

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Spring Timeline

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• Application Window: Opens March 1, 2027, – Due April 1, 2027

• Notification of Awards: No later than April 15, 2027

• Funding Disbursement Begins: May 1, 2027

 

Documentation Deadlines

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Reimbursement Applicants: Receipts or proof of purchase must be submitted with the application materials.

Upfront Funding Applicants: Recipients must submit receipts or proof of fund usage by December 1, 2026, for the Fall 2026 grant, and June 1, 2027, for the Spring 2027 grant.

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Again, grant determinations are final and cannot be appealed. However, alumni whose applications are not selected are encouraged to apply again during future grant cycles.

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Application Requirements

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Applicants must complete the online application and submit a short essay (maximum 500 words in Microsoft Word or PDF format) answering the following questions:

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• How would you use the NDCP Alumni Futures Grant?

• Why is this purchase or opportunity important?

• What would be the personal and professional impact of receiving the grant?

• When is the item needed and/or when is the event or activity taking place?

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Essays should align with the mission of the NDCP Alumni Futures Grant by demonstrating how the funding will support professional growth, artistic development, and future opportunities.

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Examples of eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

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• Instrument purchases (partial funding)

• Auditions

• Recording sessions

• Tuition or educational expenses

• Summer programs or internships

• Travel and lodging expenses

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Applicants must also include supporting documentation such as:

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• Invoices or price quotes

• Acceptance notifications

• Reservation confirmations

• Payment statements

• Other relevant supporting materials

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Applicants requesting upfront funding must also provide a detailed projected budget outlining anticipated expenses such as travel, lodging, meals, tuition, equipment, and other related costs.​​

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Reporting

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Recipients are required to submit receipts or proof of purchase to the NDCP Board of Directors upon completion of the funded project or purchase.

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For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact us at percussiondiversity@gmail.com.