Bernice Ash Memorial Scholarship Fund Info

Bernice was widely recognized as one of the companies' print music department's pioneers. Bernice designed procedures that resulted in excellent working relationships with music publishers, expanding distribution to music teachers, students, and satisfied customers. Bernice passed away on December 1st, 2020 at the age of 90, leaving a loving family, staff and grateful industry that will carry on her legacy. The Bernice Ash Memorial Award has been created with leadership gifts from Fred and Dinah Gretsch, Jerry Ash and members of the Ash Family and Larry Morton.

To continue her commitment to excellence in the industry, the award will annually recognize one or two scholarship winners with a one-time grant in the amount of $5,000 for use in continued college-level or trade-related studies, and a travel stipend to attend The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Recipients will also receive a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals group.

To be considered, scholarship applicants must be current employees of a NAMM Member company, nominated by that company's owner or manager, identified as an up-and-coming industry leader seeking further professional development to enhance their career and service to the industry. The application will open June 15 and will close on September 30, 2021.

To learn more about Bernice, watch her Oral History.

Tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted to raise an endowment within The NAMM Foundation that will fund the Bernice Ash Memorial Award fund for years to come.

Liz Reisman Fund for School Music Education Info

Liz Reisman was the owner of Creative Music Center in Monroe, CT, and a passionate supporter of music education on a local and national level, advancing music-making opportunities for all school-aged children. To continue her work, and honor her memory for generations to come, the Reisman family created the Liz Reisman Fund for School Music Education. This donation, together with others made in Liz’s name, now and in the future, supports NAMM Foundation grants that impact school music education and help more people experience the joys of making music.

"Liz was beyond passionate about the influence music can and should have on our youth,” said her husband Mike Reisman.  “She was brought up with a flute in her hands and in many ways defined by her myriad experiences in schools, camps and community organizations dedicated to music education.  One of her greatest joys was to watch the smiles of children brimming with newfound self-esteem via music."

Consider a gift to the Liz Reisman Fund. Your gift is an investment in the transformative powers of music-making that validates our belief that music education is of vital importance to all people of all abilities across the lifespan.

SWIM Fund (Smart Women in Music Fund) Info

The SWIM Fund will be used to support women in various stages of their careers in the music products industry through the following activities:

• Professional development opportunities at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA and at Summer NAMM in Nashville, TN
• Job-shadowing and mentoring with women who are industry leaders at trade shows and other music industry events
• In-company residencies
• Invitation to apply to attend an annual two-day SWIM leadership symposium. 

Inspire an aspiring woman in the music products industry by giving the gift of opportunity. Donate to the SWIM fund today.

The SWIM Fund Steering Committee

DeDe Heid, Executive Vice President, Heid Music
Crystal Morris, President and CEO, Gator Co.
Robin Walenta, President & CEO, West Music Company

Click here to learn about the current SWIM Fund Award opportunities.

Bill Collings Memorial Fund Info

Through Bill's unique and innate understanding of how things work, and how to make things work better, he set a high bar and touched many lives in the process. His skill and incredible sense of design were not limited to working with wood, but evident in his passion for building hot rods. To Bill, the design and execution of elegant form and function mattered most. Perhaps even more exceptional than his ability to craft some of the finest instruments in the world was his ability to teach and inspire. He created a quality-centered culture that will carry on honoring his life's work and legacy.

Gifts have supported in part programs like Guitars in the Classroom and Guitars and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA).

Consider a gift to the Bill Collings Fund. Your gift is an investment in the transformative powers of music-making that validates our belief that music education is of vital importance to all people of all abilities across the lifespan.

To learn more about Bill, watch his Oral History.