The annual Sphinx Competition seeks to increase diversity on concert stages by providing new opportunities to young Black and Latino string players. The annual competition identifies, recognizes, rewards and nurtures young and talented musicians of color by providing 18 musicians the opportunity to compete and perform live on stage before audiences and judges for prizes and performance opportunities. Since 1998, the competition has aided and developed more than 200 young classical musicians of color, clearly demonstrating the incredible diversity of talent and artistic excellence that exists within Black and Latino communities. Knight Foundation’s funding will support all aspects and activities of the Sphinx Competition, including the Competition's Honor and Final concert performances that reach over 3,000 in live audiences and 2 million in broadcast audiences annually.

The Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan will create the Knight Detroit Young Musicians of Color Fund, in support of the artistic and professional development of young musicians of color through Detroit's annual Sphinx Competition