Every season, Seraphic Fire shares the power of choral music with thousands of audience members, students, and families across South Florida. Behind each performance and education program stands a network of supporters whose generosity makes our mission possible. Today, we are proud to recognize the foundations and public funders whose investments have strengthened our work and deepened our impact.
Among these valued partners is a private family foundation that has consistently believed in our mission and provided essential resources to help us grow. While the donor wishes to remain anonymous, their $250,000 grant this past year supported everything from world-class performances to the expansion of music education programs for young singers across our region.
“This gift is a game-changer for Seraphic Fire,” said Executive Director Danny Yanez. “It allows us to build on the momentum of this past year and continue delivering exceptional artistry and meaningful education programs across South Florida. We’re incredibly grateful for this support.”
One of the most significant contributions also came from the Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, which awarded Seraphic Fire a $200,000 grant over a two-year period. This extraordinary support fuels our apprenticeship programs, including the Ensemble Artist Program and the High School Professional Choral Institute (HSPCI). Through the Ensemble Artist Program, 16 pre-professional singers from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and the UM Frost School of Music travel to Miami each season to rehearse and perform side-by-side with our professional ensemble. These young artists gain invaluable real-world experience that helps launch their careers. In June 2025, the HSPCI welcomed 56 high school students from eleven Miami-Dade County schools for a week of intensive training, masterclasses, and mentorship, culminating in a final concert at The Wertheim on the campus of Florida International University.
We are also deeply grateful to the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, which provides essential general operating support through the Cultural Advancement Grant. This $155,000 award sustains our concerts, education workshops, and community activities across Miami-Dade County. General operating funding is especially meaningful because it helps cover the core costs that keep the organization running, from program expenses to staff salaries and infrastructure. The Youth Arts Enrichment Program, funded by The Children’s Trust, also supports our Choral Education Residency, a year-long initiative that brings weekly music instruction to public school classrooms. The program culminates in a district-wide performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center, offering students an unforgettable experience on a professional stage.
Sustaining Education and Access
Additional funding from the Quest Foundation and the Kirk Foundation has played a vital role in expanding access to Seraphic Fire’s youth education programs. The Quest Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to support the salary of our Director of Education, ensuring our programming remains well-coordinated and responsive to the needs of schools and students. The Kirk Foundation contributed $20,000 in support of all Youth Initiative activities in Miami-Dade County. This funding helps sustain in-school workshops, the Choral Education Residency, and programs like the annual High School Masterclass. Together, these grants help us inspire young musicians, nurture creativity, and build a lifelong appreciation for choral music.
Olivia Pidi Weiss, Seraphic Fire’s Grants Manager, shared why this collective support is so impactful:
“Government and foundation support is crucial to the success of the organization, not only because of the financial contributions, but because it is a sign of community support for Seraphic Fire’s programming. When we are awarded a grant, it is a symbol that community leaders and peer organizations value our work and recognize the tangible contributions that our programs make to our community. With this community support, we can continue to expand the accessibility, reach, and impact of our programming for people of all ages.”
An Investment in the Future
As Seraphic Fire moves into the 2025–26 season, we are reminded that our music does not happen in isolation. It is made possible by the collective effort of public institutions, private foundations, and individual donors who believe in the transformative power of the arts. Their investments help us present acclaimed performances, mentor emerging artists, and bring music education into classrooms across South Florida.
To every funder and supporter who has stood with Seraphic Fire, thank you. Your partnership is more than a gift. It is an investment in cultural vitality, education, and community connection.
If you’d like to learn more about the impact of your support or join our circle of partners, please visit seraphicfire.org/support. Together, we can continue to inspire audiences and uplift young voices for years to come.
