The Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) has opened applications for the latest round of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) funding initiative, inviting eligible members to apply for grants of up to R200,000 to support projects that contribute to the long-term development of South Africa’s music industry.
Designed to invest in initiatives that create lasting impact, the programme supports projects focused on education, empowerment and community development while encouraging members to build opportunities that extend beyond their own careers.
Following a successful inaugural funding cycle, which supported ten projects across music education, live events, women in music and community development, CAPASSO is once again calling on members to submit proposals that strengthen the creative ecosystem.
Supporting the Music Industry Beyond Royalties
While CAPASSO is widely recognised for administering mechanical rights on behalf of composers and publishers, the CSI initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting sustainable growth within the music industry.
Rather than funding individual artistic practice alone, the programme encourages projects that create opportunities for learning, collaboration and industry development.
“Our first CSI cycle showed us the impact that focused, community-led investment can have across the music industry,” said CAPASSO Chief Executive Officer Jotam Matariro.
“We are energised by what our members achieved and are excited to open the door once again for new proposals. We encourage our members to come forward with projects that reflect the spirit of education, empowerment and growth that this initiative was built on.”
The grants are intended to help members transform ideas into projects that benefit the wider creative community while strengthening South Africa’s music landscape for future generations.
What Can Be Funded?
Projects must fall within one of four funding categories.
The Education category supports initiatives such as music workshops, accredited training programmes and specialised institutional training that benefit the wider music industry.
The Events category includes music festivals, concerts and other ticketed events that contribute to the development of South Africa’s live music ecosystem.
A dedicated Women in Music category seeks to support projects that empower women working across the music sector, recognising their continued contribution to the industry’s growth.
Finally, the Community-Benefiting Projects category supports initiatives that uplift previously disadvantaged communities. While these projects do not need to focus exclusively on music, they should demonstrate meaningful social impact aligned with the programme’s objectives.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must be CAPASSO members, either as direct composer members or through a publisher member. Publisher members are also eligible to submit applications directly.
Applicants must have earned at least R350 in royalties through CAPASSO and be based in South Africa.
As part of the application process, members are required to disclose any additional funding received for the proposed project and submit a detailed proposal explaining the project’s purpose, funding requirements and intended outcomes.
Successful applicants will also be expected to publicly acknowledge CAPASSO’s support and provide receipts together with a comprehensive report detailing how the funding was used.
Key Dates and Application Information
Applications close on 24 July 2026.
Completed application forms, together with the required supporting documents, should be submitted via email to csi@capasso.co.za.
According to CAPASSO, all applications will be reviewed by an independent CSI committee made up of music industry professionals responsible for assessing proposals and selecting successful recipients.
For musicians, composers, publishers and organisations with projects that prioritise education, empowerment and long-term industry development, the funding presents an opportunity to secure meaningful investment while contributing to the continued growth of South Africa’s music sector.
As funding opportunities for creative projects remain limited, initiatives such as CAPASSO’s CSI programme play an important role in supporting ideas that can strengthen communities, expand access to music education and create sustainable opportunities across the industry.
