iPalpiti Artists International

ProtoStar made a grant to iPalpiti Artists International, Inc. (“iPalpiti”) from ProtoStar’s COVID-19 Relief Fund for Nonprofits.  The purpose of the grant is to help support iPalpiti during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

iPalpiti Artists International, Inc.

iPalpiti is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Los Angeles.  It was originally incorporated as a California nonprofit organization in 1997 as Young Artists International, Inc.  In 2008, it changed its name to iPalpiti “to fully reflect the caliber and professionalism of the young artists of the organization’s flagship orchestral ensemble known as iPalpiti.”  Its stated mission is “to provide financial assistance to gifted classical musicians, to promote their careers, and to provide low or no cost performances of classical music to the public.”  Through its mission of providing “assistance, guidance, and counsel” to young artists, iPalpiti has helped launch the careers of many classical musicians, including pianists, violinists, cellists, clarinetists, vocalists, and chamber ensembles.  It also operates several programs: (1) an Educational Fund, which provides “immediate assistance to students in need of tuition, summer programs, concert attire, fees, etc.”; and (2) an Instrumental Fund, which lends “fine instruments” to rising professional musicians.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

As with virtually every other arts organizations, the adverse financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on iPalpiti has been severe.  Live performances have been postponed or cancelled altogether.  Foundation grants and individual contributions to arts organizations appear to have dropped.  Funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) has stalled.  Some local relief funds, such as San Diego’s Small Business Relief Fund, exclude nonprofit organizations.

Fearing that smaller nonprofit organizations might get left behind, on March 28, 2020, ProtoStar established the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Nonprofits.  ProtoStar’s COVID-19 Relief Fund is intended specifically to assist smaller nonprofits with net liquid assets below $250,000 and net revenues of less than $100,000 in 2019.

iPalpiti meets these criteria and has satisfactorily demonstrated the adverse impact the Coronavirus pandemic is having on its finances.

ProtoStar’s Interests

This grant furthers ProtoStar’s interests in:  (1) supporting smaller nonprofits during the Coronavirus crisis; (2) Music, Arts, and Culture; and (3) Socio-Economic Justice.

We invite foundations, individuals, and other funders to join us in continuing to support arts organizations, especially during this Coronavirus pandemic.