A Baby Grand Piano for the Frederick R. Koch Recital Hall at Elm Court

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This jewel of a recital hall boasts nearly perfect acoustics. The only missing piece is a piano! Our goal is to acquire a Model M Steinway piano, ensuring that both distinguished artists and aspiring students have access to a world-class instrument for performances and classes.

 

The Creation of the Elm Court Children’s Garden

 

The Elm Court Children’s Garden will bloom as an outdoor classroom for elementary students in Butler County, PA and beyond. Children will delight in a pollinator meadow, hands-on teaching, sensory gardens, and a composting site where they’ll learn to transform waste into treasure. Imagination thrives in child-sized buildings: a potting shed with a potter’s wheel for crafting take-home creations, a pint-sized tool shed, and a greenhouse. Chickens, beehives, and two whimsical platform treehouses will complete this enchanting haven.

 

Exceptional Cultural Programs at 6 East 80th Street & Elm Court

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In the storied halls of Elm Court and the elegant chambers of 6 E. 80th St., culture flourishes in a vibrant celebration of music, art, and history. The Foundation’s Cultural Encounters program invites guests, scholars, and artists into an immersive world where the boundaries between observer and participant dissolve.

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At Elm Court, concerts echo beneath vaulted ceilings and amidst garden terraces, weaving together the classical and the contemporary. Audiences are enveloped by the resonance of chamber ensembles, the lyrical sweep of pianists, and the stirring voices of soloists—each performance a testament to the enduring power of live music to inspire and unite.

 

Beyond performance, the masterclass series offers an unparalleled chance for aspiring musicians, visual artists, and enthusiasts of all levels to glean insights from masters in their field. Here, students refine their craft under the tutelage of

distinguished performers and educators, discovering new techniques and cultivating their own artistic voices in an atmosphere of rigorous encouragement and creative exchange.

 

The immersive studies in art and heritage extend this vision still further, blending hands-on workshops, guided tours, and scholarly symposia. Participants engage directly with the collections, architecture, and history of Elm Court and 6 E. 80th St., unravelling the stories etched into every canvas, corridor, and artifact. Each encounter fosters a deeper appreciation for the layered legacies that have shaped these cultural landmarks and the communities that continue to bring them to life. Through these experiences, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to education, creativity, and the living transmission of art and tradition.

Individual events may be sponsored within a range of $20,000 - $40,000

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The FRK Emerging Artist Prize

 

Annual award for young artists - $10,000

 

In partnership with Concert Artists Guild in New York, the FRK Foundation will proudly award a $10,000 prize to a promising young artist at the threshold of their career.

This annual award is intended not only as a mark of recognition for exceptional creativity and talent, but also as meaningful support to help the recipient take bold new steps in their artistic journey. The funds may be used for further study, the creation of new works, participation in residencies and programs, and other activities that support artistic growth. In this way, the FRK Emerging Artist Prize serves as both a celebration of emerging artistry and a tangible investment in the future of the arts.

 

The FRK "Open Doors" Initiative

 

The FRK Open Doors Initiative is a visionary program dedicated to advancing the mission of arts organizations by granting them complimentary access to the storied halls and breathtaking grounds of Elm Court in Butler, PA and at the townhouse at 6 E. 80th St, one of New York City’s most grand and unique homes built by the five-and-dime magnate, FW Woolworth. This unique initiative is founded on the belief that the arts flourish through generosity, collaboration, and shared opportunity. By opening our doors to fellow organizations, the FRK Foundation aims to foster a spirit of unity and communal growth throughout the broader artistic landscape. 

 

The FRK Open Doors Initiative is more than an act of generosity—it is an investment in the future vitality of the arts. By sharing the splendour of Frederick Koch’s homes with peer organizations, the Foundation aspires to amplify the impact of fundraising efforts across the sector, strengthen networks among artists and administrators, and celebrate the arts

as a communal endeavour. In this spirit, the program stands as a testament to the Foundation’s enduring commitment to nurturing creativity, accessibility, and excellence while honouring the preservation of historic sites such as Elm Court and 6 E. 80th St—not only within their own walls, but throughout the entire artistic ecosystem.

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Cultivating Inspiration - The Elm Court Gardening Mentorship Program

 

Step through the gates of Elm Court and discover a verdant sanctuary where budding horticulturalists and seasoned artisans come together to nurture both the landscape and their own creative spirits. The Gardening Mentorship Program at Elm Court isn’t just about tending to blossoms and branches, it’s a living classroom where innovation meets

tradition and where every seed planted is a lesson in patience, artistry, and stewardship.

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Within these historic grounds, Elm Court’s head gardener will share his wisdom on the delicate balance of design, sustainability, and seasonal rhythm, guiding interns as they transform ideas into living masterpieces. Here, in the embrace of timeworn stone and lush greenery, tomorrow’s great landscape designers cultivate resilience, technique, and a deep respect for the natural world. 

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Your support helps fund stipends, tools, and education materials for this one-of-a-kind program.

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