Because Music Matters
The Gift of Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating greater access to musical instruments and education for students.
Founded in 2015 as a response to an ongoing nationwide decline of funding and lack of prioritization for music education, our organization is diligently working to ensure access to music for the country’s at-risk youths. We do this by forming critical partnerships with music teachers, public schools and organizations to reinforce our core belief that music matters!
OUR MISSION:
Create access to musical instruments and education through innovative, needs-based programs.
OUR VISION:
Become a global catalyst of change in democratizing access to music education and its many benefits.
HOW WE DO IT
Acquiring donated instruments along with strategic instrument purchases are the “fuel” that drive both operational infrastructure and impact.
What makes our model sustainable is that we use each instrument where it will make the greatest impact. For instance, a donated instrument that is of professional quality and high value, or not currently used in programming is sold to raise funds that will allow the purchase of multiple student level models and fund operations. Student level band and orchestra instruments go directly into our programs after going through our repair center.
In addition, all our programs are revenue generating, priced on an income based “sliding scale.” This allows us to fund our programming and operational costs without relying solely on donations and grants and ensures everyone has some “skin in the game.”
Donate an Instrument
Musical Instruments are the lifeblood of our mission. If you have a musical instrument of any type that is no longer being used, donate it to The Gift of Music Foundation. We’ll ensure it contributes to our efforts to provide instruments to kids who may not otherwise be able to afford them.
OUR KEY PROGRAMS
Access to Instruments Program: An income and needs-based instrument rental program providing access to beginning band and orchestra instruments for everyone. Most options are rent to own, and all have the option to return at any time. Prices range from market rate to half-price to no monthly rent! We are the only ones to offer this type of program.
Access to Music Education Program: Creates or re-creates band, orchestra, or other music classes in settings where they have never been offered or are no longer offered. Tuition is also income and needs-based, and curriculum is both music education and life-skills based.
Scholastic Education Program: Provides crucial educational events and courses for current music educators. Developing passion and engagement in the classroom is a key need for the present and future of music education. We work to both enhance and supplement the collegiate and professional development training for teachers of all levels.
Instrument Repair Program: Allows us to repair instruments at market rate for schools and individuals to raise funds while simultaneously repairing and maintaining instruments for our internal programs.
Consumer Sales Program: A major fund-rai
sing program that allows us to sell a portion of higher value instruments that are donated to fuel Access to Instruments and Music Education Programs and operations.
We appreciate the sponsors and partners who make The Gift of Music possible
