Awards & Grants
The Mabel Mercer Foundation currently presents three annual awards at the New York Cabaret Convention: the Mabel Award, the Donald F. Smith Award, and the Julie Wilson Award, each recognizing outstanding achievement and contribution to the art of cabaret. In past seasons, the Foundation collaborated on the Noël Coward Cabaret Award and the Margaret Whiting Award. Further expanding its support of the cabaret community, the Bill Stubing Development Fund provides annual project grants to cabaret performers.
New for 2026!
BILL STUBING DEVELOPMENT FUND
Project Grants to the Cabaret Community
The Mabel Mercer Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Bill Stubing Development Fund, created by Ron Thomas in memory of William C. Stubing, who first introduced Ron to the cabaret scene. The Fund will award annual project grants totaling $5,000 to one or more cabaret performers in support of special artistic projects requiring dedicated funding and focused development. The Fund honors Bill’s lifelong passion for the arts, his intellectual curiosity, and his generosity of spirit—helping artists bring meaningful new works to life while strengthening the creative fabric of the cabaret community.
2005-2025
MABEL AWARD
The Mabel Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cabaret is presented annually at the New York Cabaret Convention. This prestigious honor, named after Mabel Mercer—widely regarded as the greatest cabaret artist of the twentieth century—is the highest accolade awarded by The Mabel Mercer Foundation and celebrates the art form she so perfectly embodied.
2014-2025
DONALD F. SMITH AWARD
The Donald F. Smith Award for Excellence in Cabaret is presented annually at the New York Cabaret Convention. Created by Mabel Mercer Foundation board members Adela and Larry Elow, the award honors cabaret artists who demonstrate the passion, talent, glamour, and commitment to the American Popular Songbook that Mabel Mercer Foundation creator Donald F. Smith championed. The Elows nominate three candidates, from whom the board of trustees selects a winner through a closed ballot. This $5,000 cash grant is generously funded by Adela and Larry Elow.
2004-2025
JULIE WILSON AWARD
The Julie Wilson Award for Promising New Talent is presented annually at the New York Cabaret Convention. Named in honor of the legendary "Queen of Cabaret," who was known for supporting emerging cabaret performers, this award celebrates up-and-coming artists in the field. Underwritten by Peter and Linda Hanson, the award currently includes a $2,000 cash endowment.
2010-2013
NOËL COWARD CABARET AWARD
The Noël Coward Cabaret Award celebrates Coward’s remarkable contributions to cabaret and popular song. This $5,000 multi-year grant, generously funded by The Noël Coward Foundation, was awarded through a competition featuring over a dozen performers, each showcasing a song by Coward. A distinguished panel of judges, including notable performers, composers, writers, and arts community representatives, evaluates the contestants and selects the winners. The award also includes an invitation for the top performer to present their winning number at the Cabaret Convention.
2013-2017
MARGARET WHITING AWARD
The Margaret Whiting Award was presented on stage at the New York Cabaret Convention. Named after the legendary star who, beyond her successful recording, radio, and television career, earned acclaim as a cabaret singer and master teacher. This award honors an exemplary cabaret artist deserving of her legacy. Underwritten by My Ideal Music and Debbi Bush Whiting, the award comes with a $1,000 cash endowment.