The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

What We Do

Founded in 2006, The NAMM Foundation represents the generosity and philanthropy of the music products industry. A supporting organization of NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, the NAMM Foundation is funded through trade association activities and donations.

Best Communities for Music Education

Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) is a signature program of The NAMM Foundation that recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education.

Children playing music in elementary school

Grants and Scholarships

The NAMM Foundation supports grants and scholarship initiatives and funds music-making and music education-related research. Grants and Scholarships include Music Making, the NAMM President’s Innovation Award and the William R. Gard Scholarship.

Museum of Making Music

The Museum of Making Music , a division of the NAMM Foundation, explores the unique accomplishments and lasting impact of the music products industry through permanent and special exhibitions, concerts and educational programs. Committed to creating a more musical world, the museum directly connects visitors of all ages with hands-on music making.

middle school child learning the uke during NAMM's Day of Service at The 2020 NAMM Show

NAMM Foundation Day of Service

Each year NAMM members participate in an annual Day of Service in Anaheim, CA or Washington, D.C. that supports the initiative of providing every child in those districts the opportunity for a well-rounded education that includes music.

Careers in Music

A career in music includes hundreds of viable choices in addition to the traditional performer and teacher pathways. Music and the creative industries—including pro-audio, event technology, and more—are dynamic and constantly expanding. Individuals with creativity, technical and organizational skills, curiosity, teamwork, and a passion for music are highly sought after.

Community Music Making

Community Music Making promotes the pleasures and benefits of making music. The NAMM Foundation presents music-making activities and resources for NAMM members and community organizations to spread the joys and benefits of making music.

Nonprofit Management Institute

The Nonprofit Management Institute at The NAMM Show provides music and arts education nonprofits resources to grow and succeed. The institute offers sessions that cover best practices, fundraising and governance and more.

The SupportMusic Coalition

Music and the arts are vital to every child's education. The 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.

Joe Lamond interviewing industry guests during the Careers in Summit panel

GenNext

GenNext at The NAMM Show is a collaboration between The NAMM Foundation and The College Music Society that offers college music students and faculty exclusive programming with access to career and professional development sessions.

Music Research

Taking a global leadership role in supporting music research, The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

Music Education Days

Music Education Days at The NAMM Show offers music teachers and school administrators informative sessions, inspiring performances, and the opportunity to preview the latest instruments, products and tools relevant to today’s music classrooms.

Talking Up Music Education Podcast

Talking Up Music Education is a podcast from The NAMM Foundation that celebrates music learning through conversations with guests who are passionate about music education. Hosted by Mary Luehrsen, executive director of The NAMM Foundation.

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