Celebrities from all genres of music appear in numerous ads for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation on a regular basis. The music and entertainment network broadcasts public service announcements for the program which aims to help restore music education in the nation’s public schools. Founded in 1997, the non-profit foundation focuses on using the star power of celebrities in fundraisers that in turn provide the seed money to rejuvenate or create music programs in schools, pay for teacher salaries, provide brand new instruments, and more. Needy schools apply directly to the foundation for grants. Just six to eight weeks after a grant is approved, schools receive new instruments. Save the Music works with funded schools to complete yearly progress reports and provides continual feedback on how to improve their music programs.
VH1 Save The Music Foundation
1515 Broadway, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-846-7600
vh1savethemusic.com
Fender, the manufacturer of guitars played by many rock stars, underwrites a music foundation that funds all types of music programs in schools, community centers and clinics. The funds come from fundraisers, auction of signed guitars from celebrities, donations and a section of Fender’s online store. As of 2008, the foundation funded six national programs and over 20 school music programs. Grant amounts range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the budget of proposed projects. The majority of grants are awarded to in-school music classes, after-school music programs and music therapy programs. Organizations and schools must fill out a grant candidate form and Fender selects applicants from that pool to compete for grants.
Fender Music Foundation
28118 Agoura Road, Suite 105
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
818-706-8742
fendermusicfoundation.org
Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation is a non-profit founded by the company responsible for business background tunes and other corporate music services. Muzak’s non-profit charity focuses its efforts on music education initiatives targeting youth. Its “Music Matters” grant program awards $1,000 to $12,000 to schools with large populations of low-income students to revitalize or help begin music programs. Its “Battle of the Bands” pits high school bands against each other in a music competition and provides music services and prizes to the winners. The NOISE! Program gives talented high school students the opportunity to complete internships with music industry professionals. NOISE! also provides ongoing counseling and support to help young musicians develop business skills.
Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation
3318 Lakemont Blvd
Fort Mill, SC 29708
heart.muzak.com
800-331-3340