The GEMA-Foundation is a public foundation under civil law recognised as a charitable and non-profit organisation. Its aim is to support and promote contemporary musicians of all genres through the allocation of earmarked foundation funds.
Awards from the GEMA-Foundation
The FRED-JAY-Price
The Fred Jay Prize is sponsored by Michael Jacobson, the son of Fred Jay. The prize is named after the Austrian lyricist Fred Jay (1914–1988). In 2025, it was awarded to the musical cabaret artist, actor, and singer-songwriter Bodo Wartke at the members’ celebration held in conjunction with the general meeting in Munich. The award recognizes his outstanding ability to transform the German language into artistic, humorous, and at the same time profound song lyrics.
THE GEMA-FOUNDATION CHORAL AWARD
The Choral Award is presented in cooperation with the German Choral Association. This year, the award went to the renowned composer Michael Ostrzyga, who was honored for his innovative musical language and his commitment to the advancement of choral music. The award was presented at a ceremony held during the German Choral Festival on Nuremberg’s Main Market Square.
THE ALBERT MANGELSDORFF PRIZE
The Albert Mangelsdorff Prize was awarded last year for the 17th time by the German Jazz Union and is sponsored by the GEMA Foundation, GVL, and the Support and Assistance Fund of the German Composers' Association (DKV). In 2025, vocalist Lauren Newton received the prize. The musician, who lives in Germany, was honored at the Jazzfest Berlin with the most prestigious award for jazz and improvised music for her extraordinary life’s work.
14 SCHOLARSHIPS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF 28.400 euros were awarded
A total of 26 applications were received for the Franz Grothe Foundation’s scholarships for young artists, 14 of which were approved. The foundation is named after Franz Grothe and is supported by the GEMA Foundation. In his day, he was one of the most prominent and successful composers in all areas of popular music.
39 PROJECTS FUNDED, 8 applications have received charitable grants
In 2025, the GEMA Foundation and the Franz Grothe Foundation reviewed over 121 applications for project funding and over 8 applications for charitable support.