The NAMM Foundation funds grants, research and advocacy in support of music education.

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Creating a World of Music Making

Since 2007, through the support of NAMM members the NAMM Foundation has contributed nearly $15 million to fund programs impacting people across a broad range of musical segments, genres and age demographics. While we have made great strides in helping people make more music, more often, we want to do more and with our new Believe in Music Donor Program and your support, we can.

We envision a world in which the joy of music making is a precious element of daily living for everyone; a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught; and in which every adult is a passionate champion and defender of that right.

Help us bring the gift of music making into someone’s life by making a donation today.

Stay Informed

A message from the NAMM Executive Committee.

Almost a decade ago, NAMM leaders had the vision that led to the creation of The NAMM Foundation; a vision of a world in which the joy of making music was a precious element of daily living for everyone.

By reinvesting trade show revenues into efforts that promote music and music education through grants to music service organizations, research on music education’s impact and benefits and advocacy, The NAMM Foundation has touched the lives of tens of thousands of people. Our work is relentlessly positive and seeks to create expanding circles of awareness about the benefits and importance of music learning for all people. Every dollar donated to The NAMM Foundation advances this important effort.

The NAMM Foundation’s Believe in Music Donor Program is where NAMM Members, our partners and generous individuals who believe in the power of music education give back to support and expand the work of The NAMM Foundation. Donors to The Believe in Music Donor Program are also assured that donations are going to great causes, vetted by The NAMM Foundation's Board of Directors and leveraged by the substantial annual contributions from The NAMM Show.

In its first year in 2016, and with thanks to ALL our wonderful donors, we are proud to report that the Believe in Music Donor Program exceeded its goal to raise $100,000 by 30%. We have set a new goal for 2017 to raise $150,000 to expand our grant making program to include support for new and inspiring programs for returning veterans and innovative senior housing programs where music and the arts are at the center of community life. These programs, along with our continuing music making partnerships and research, are the bedrock of our efforts to expand access and opportunity to music making and galvanize public awareness and understanding about the many benefits of music.

The NAMM Foundation Executive Committee has kicked off the 2017 fund raising effort and has together pledged $25,000 toward the goal. We hope you will consider joining us with your own gift of any size to help The NAMM Foundation with its important work. Let’s all express our appreciation in a way that will enable more young people to have the same chance that we had: to grow up with music education in their classrooms and music making in their lives.

Please make a gift today!
Joe Lamond

President and CEO, NAMM

Together, We Can Do More

Funds are carefully administered by an expert staff to programs making a profound difference. Here are examples of the lives we’ve touched through NAMM Foundation supported organizations.

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Orchestrating a Brighter Future

San Diego Youth Symphony’s Community Opus Project funded by The NAMM Foundation

Meet thirteen-year-old Bruno Bello. Just a few years ago, Bruno suffered from low self-esteem, became disruptive in class and refused to do his homework.

"Everything I tried was either too easy or I wasn’t good at it, like sports," he admits. Then Bruno discovered music, and soon his world seemed full of possibilities.

He now plays in several youth orchestras, plans to attend a “good college” and hopes to perform in Carnegie Hall one day. Thanks to your gift, kids like Bruno can have access to music making programs that foster confidence, self-discipline and joy.

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Spotlighting the Best Communities for Music Education

Irvine Unified School District

The Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) is a NAMM Foundation program that shines the national spotlight on schools and districts for their support of and commitment to music in our schools.

The Irvine Unified School District in Southern California is a shining example of such a program, as it provides all of its students––from kindergarten through grade 12––with the opportunity to learn and grow through music.

Your Support Will Change Lives

Through its support of music making organizations that advance music education, research and advocacy, and preserve the rich heritage of music making, The NAMM Foundation is making lasting impacts - your financial gift will allow more people to make music and celebrate music education in communities across the US.

Advocating for Music Education

Music and the arts are vital to every child's education. Our SupportMusic Coalition offers tools and resources that validate the importance of music in the schools and help grow community support when tight budgets threaten music education programs.

Creating Music Making Opportunities for People of All Ages

Your support helps us to fund life-changing music making and music education experiences for thousands of people of all ages and levels of experience. From school children to wounded warriors and the elderly, these programs bring inspiration, education, healing and hope to a diverse array of music makers.

Funding Groundbreaking Music Research

The Foundation has taken a global leadership role in funding scientific research on the mental, physical and emotional benefits of music making. We then promote the results of this groundbreaking research through the media, helping to validate the importance of music at every stage of life.

The NAMM Foundation is supported by passionate people just like you...who believe in the transformative powers of making music and the vital importance of music education for all children.

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“When someone learns how to play an instrument, their life is enriched forever.”

Kevin Cranley - President, Willis Music Co. & Former NAMM Board Chairman

NAMM Exhibitor Gives Back

The NAMM Foundation thanks C.F. Martin & Co. for their generous donation to the Believe in Music Donor Program. During The 2017 NAMM Show C.F. Martin & Co. celebrated its two-millionth guitar with a staff raffle followed by a dealer dinner and a raffle of a RGM watch, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting The NAMM Foundation. Donations to The NAMM Foundation support programs that further our mission that all children should have access and opportunity to music education.

Learn more about the C.F. Martin & Co.

Let's do this!

Your gift can help ensure that more children have the opportunity to learn and grow with music, and raise awareness about the many benefits of music making.

To donate by credit card, please fill out the form below. If you'd like to donate by check, please download our donor form.

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FAQs

How will my donation help?

All donations to the NAMM Foundation support its efforts to keep music education strong in communities everywhere, advance research about music benefits, encourage young people to follow their ambitions for careers in music and be a global information hub about the benefits of making music for people of all ages.

What are some of the programs The NAMM Foundation supports?

Music Making Grants
Museum of Making Music
Music Research Grants
SupportMusic Coalition and Music Education Advocacy
Best Communities for Music Education
NAMM's President's Innovation Award
William R. Gard Scholarship
Partnerships

Are there other ways to support to the NAMM Foundation apart from monetary donations?

Yes. Our efforts to keep music education strong in communities everywhere relies on thousands of grassroots advocates; concerned citizens willing to take action. Find out how you can get involved here. The NAMM Foundation also hosts “Day of Service” events in schools that are working to strengthen their music education programs. Contact us to receive information.

Can I donate an instrument to the NAMM Foundation?

The NAMM Foundation is unable to accept instrumental donations; however, we work closely with other nonprofit organizations; experts in this specialized activity. Please contact us for more information

What are the benefits of music education to my child?

The list is long. Playing music has been scientifically proven to benefit people of all ages—School-aged children who play music do better in school and in life, and teens see music as their “social glue” and as a bridge for building acceptance and tolerance for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds. Access hundreds of additional facts here

How can I get more involved in getting music into my child’s school?

As a parent, a community member or business owner, your voice must be heard to influence school budget and curriculum decisions that assure all children have access to music education. The NAMM Foundation’s Community Action kit will guide you in communicating with school board members and administrators, who are the decision makers for every local district and who are influenced by the interests of the local population. It will also guide you to activities and resources for music education advocacy on state and federal levels as part of national music education advocacy efforts.

In addition, sign up here to receive regular communications about podcasts, webcasts, forums, e-newsletters and connect with a national network of music education advocates.

How do I find out if my company matches my gifts to the NAMM Foundation?

Your company’s Human Resources department will know if your company’s policies provide a match of your donation to the NAMM Foundation.

Will my gift be tax deductible?

Yes. Donations to the NAMM Foundation are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit (Federal Tax ID 33-0797657). See also: IRS Tips for charitable contribution deductions.

Please note: The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax adviser. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may differ.