NAMM Foundation gives out international grants

The NAMM Foundation has announced it will invest $600,000 in funding to 17 music-making programs this year, including four international grants.

This year’s list of grant recipients includes community, national and industry-based organisations that provide access to quality music education and increase interest and participation in making music across the lifespan.

The NAMM Foundation’s annual grant program represents one part of the Foundation’s annual multimillion-dollar reinvestment into scientific research, advocacy, philanthropic giving, and public service programs related to making music. Since 1994, the NAMM Foundation has allocated $15 million in grant-making support to domestic and international music-making programs. These grants are funded in part by donations from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and its 9,900 member companies worldwide.

“These organisations are community leaders, both geographic or within their instrument category, that share the power of music making directly with people of all ages,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. “We are honoured to support their important work and together create a more musical world.”

The following international programs received grant approval during the recent NAMM Board of Directors’ meeting:

Australian Music Association

The Australian Music Association is the trade body for the music-products industry, representing wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers and associated services for musical instruments, pro audio, print music, lighting and computer music products. NAMM Foundation funding supports the launch of a RMM School to Community program through the creation of a Young Warriors contemporary music program for students both in and out of school. The program builds on AMA’s success with Musical Futures, integrates Little Kids Rock’s modern band model and offers AMA retail members a training program to engage students in rock band. 

Coalition for Music Education in Canada

The Coalition for Music Education in Canada’s mission is to raise the awareness and understanding of the role that music education plays in Canadian culture, and to promote the benefits that music education brings to young people. NAMM Foundation funding supports the expansion of its Music Monday program, a public awareness initiative that engages thousands of music makers and the media in the opportunity to celebrate music making’s vital role in school and in life. The program to date has engaged national media, politicians and artists in promoting the importance of music education for all children in Canada.

Music For All

Music For All/UK is the charity attached to the UK musical instrument industry. The organization’s mission is “Making More Musicians!” NAMM Foundation funding supports the expansion of the successful Learn to Play annual event bringing free music lessons to the public encouraging them to pick up music making as a lifelong practice.  UK’s music industry network including music retail stores and teaching studios is engaged in this annual promotional music making effort.  

Orchestre a’ L’Ecole

Orchestre A L’Ecole, a non-profit music trade association in France, aims to develop the musical abilities of young people in schools in disadvantaged areas. NAMM Foundation funding supports Orchestre à l’Ecole’s regional rallies providing music making opportunities to children, their families and their teachers.  Funding will support the development of 40 student orchestras.