For a lot of people, music is fundamental to their lives. However, not everyone has access to it. This is why some organizations work to keep music education in schools.
Some provide financial assistance to career musicians facing illness, disability, or old age. The foundation focuses on a wide range of genres.
Increased Academic Performance
The philanthropic sector plays a vital role in supporting music. Private foundations often fund large projects and programs like symphonies or opera companies. Other granting sources include corporate funders and, more minor, local family and community foundations.
The research found that students who participated in musical training performed better academically than those not participating. Researchers also noted that younger students who received musical training showed more positive youth development and were more hopeful about their future.
Many nonprofits, such as Save The Music Foundation, focus on music education and work with local communities and school districts to help build sustainable music programs. Their goal is to help kids in underserved schools obtain the tools they need to succeed in their music and life.
Others empower youth through music and other academic support and mentorship while preserving and promoting the city’s unique music and cultural heritage. The organization is committed to helping underserved children succeed in their lives and on the stage.
They make arts and culture a core area of their philanthropic efforts, including music. The company has several programs and Performing Arts Education Partnerships that help promote and grow musical talent in the cities it serves.
Increased Self-Esteem
The feeling of accomplishment and mastery of learning a musical instrument is a powerful self-esteem booster. Music-based programs involving playing with others can also increase students’ sense of belonging and connection. One study showed that students who participate in a school-based program that incorporates performance experience have higher self-esteem and positive youth development than those without such opportunities.
The philanthropic arm of the consumer electronics retailer brings marching bands and orchestras to schools with low-income populations, helping them improve graduation rates and decrease truancy and absenteeism. The foundation also supports artists and projects that advance social justice, such as a series of performances by musicians who are LGBT+.
The foundation prioritizes grantmaking for young opera singers to study with select opera companies, but it also supports ensemble music professionals. It primarily funds contemporary music and art, while the fund seeks to encourage interactions with contemporary music and arts. Some often make music grants, although it does so throughout the state. Others focus on grantmaking that supports innovative, experimental projects. The Foundation supports jazz and other improvised and experimental music, while the n seeks to support a broad range of composers and musical works.
Increased Self-Confidence
Research has found that the social interaction and self-efficacy that comes with participating in a music group improves feelings of well-being, positive youth development, school connectedness, and hopeful future expectations. In addition, studies have shown that learning a musical instrument increases enthusiasm and happiness, improves social skills and tolerance of uncertainty, and boosts confidence, especially for girls.
One nonprofit organization works with hospitals, autism clinics, and suicide prevention programs to provide music devices preprogrammed with uplifting songs for needy people. This is just one of many organizations that have made a difference in the lives of others through the power of music.
Music can be an emotional language that brings together people from all backgrounds and communities. A recent study found that almost half of adults, or 106 million people, have attended a performing art event in the past year. Music has been the most famous art form, with 44% of people attending a musical performance or concert.
Foundations looking to support musical projects for underserved communities can find funding opportunities. Explore the list of top music grants below, or learn more by registering for a free account today.
Reduced Stress
It has partnered with Foundation to improve lives and strengthen communities by leveraging music’s profound impact. Grants are given to nonprofits in the Education, Health & Wellness, and Underserved Communities sectors.
Research suggests that listening to music can reduce stress and enhance mood. It has also been found that playing music can have a similar effect, especially in groups with shared experiences. This is due to how piece affects our limbic system, which controls emotions and our perception of our environment. This effect can be even more substantial when a person is experiencing a stressful situation alone but is more likely to alleviate stress when engaging in a social activity with others.
One example is the bedside performances, which bring the healing power of music to hospital patients. Their volunteers go bed-to-bed to play acoustically for patients, their families, and staff members. This is a powerful way to help those experiencing emotional or physical challenges during long hospital stays or other extended medical treatment.
Art and music education is often considered a luxury for people living in underserved communities. However, many nonprofits across the world are working to change that. Their work demonstrates that a simple piano lesson can bring joy during a COVID-19 pandemic when life is full of anxiety and uncertainty.
