No matter the genre, music makes the world go ‘round. It’s a vital component to children’s education, and it even helps alleviate physical pain. However, in order for music to stay prominent in these and other areas of life, many non-profits rely on the generous donations of loyal supporters, music fans, and musicians. To show your love for the arts, consider donating to one of these music foundations across the nation:
1. American Music Project: This brand new non-profit (as of Aug. 4, 2016) is “dedicated to supporting and underwriting performance of American classical music of the past as well as selectively commissioning new works from American composers.” Its inaugural concert received enthusiastic reviews, and the critical success continues with each volunteer performance. Support American Music Project today.
2. D’Addario Foundation: This grant-making organization provides “monetary and product support to high-quality sustainable music instruction programs on the frontline to improve access to music education.” The foundation strives to get children “playing as early and as frequently as possible,” because the power of music positively affects social change. You can donate to one or all of D’Addario’s six programs here.
3. Fender Music Foundation: The Fender Music Foundation “provides instruments to music education programs across the country,” including drums, amps, recorders, pianos, percussion and brass instruments, woodwinds, keyboards, guitars, classical strings, saxophones, and vibraphones. Since 2005, the non-profit has reached more than 187,000 people of all ages nationwide. Support Fender Music Foundation here.
4. Girls Rock Camp Alliance: This global non-profit “helps girls build self-esteem and find their voices through unique programming that combines music education and performance, empowerment and social justice workshops, positive role models, and collaboration and leadership skill building.” Campers learn everything from instruments and songwriting to stage presence. Support Girls Rock here.
5. Guitars in the Classroom: What began as an experimental program in Santa Cruz Community Music School has become a transformative initiative for classrooms around the country. This program provides free musical integration classes for educators working with children of all ages. Volunteers show teachers how to create songs, write lyrics, and use music for lesson planning. Donate to GITC today.
6. MusiCares: MusiCares “provides a safety net of critical assistance” for musicians. Their services and resources cover financial, medical, and personal emergencies that are treated with the utmost care and confidentiality. The non-profit also focuses their “attention…on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.” Support their cause here.
7. Musicians on Call: Music therapy is an increasingly popular way to cope with physical and mental ailments, and Musicians on Call takes it to a new level. These traveling artists visit hospital rooms to perform live and recorded music, hoping to “complement the healing process for patients, families, and caregivers,” according to President Pete Griffin. They’ve played for more than half a million patients in 20 cities. Donate to MOC today.
8. Musicians Without Borders: This foundation “allows…participants…to develop skills and talents, process grief and loss, and build bridges of reconciliation in societies divided by recent or ongoing conflict” around the world. Professional trainers “are specialized in running community music projects with people dealing with trauma, fear and isolation as a result of war and conflict,” and work with local musicians and organizations to help those in need of a little light. Support the cause here.
9. Music Unites: Music Unites partners with music stars, celebrities, and sponsors to promote projects and events at local schools to educate children through music. They strive to “raise academic and lifetime achievement for at-risk public school students through” after-school programs, school-based partnerships, and monthly workshops for all genres. Donate today.
10. VH1 Save the Music Foundation: This non-profit organization is “committed to ensuring that music instruction is a core component to a complete education, giving children the tools and confidence to excel in academics and in life.” This movement has already donated $53 in new instrument to more than 2,000 public schools in 247 districts, directly benefitting 2.8 million kids. You can support Save the Music here.
These national and global non-profits utilize their time, knowledge, and available resources to help refugees, at-risk students, hospital patients, and more – and Frederick Symphony Orchestra is joining the cause. Part of our mission is to educate through youth initiatives and free children’s concerts, but we need your help. Please donate to the FSO, so we can continue to bring music to our beloved community.