In light of the upcoming global cause called #GivingTuesday, I thought I would share with you a list of 10 organizations that we as music teachers could consider supporting as we approach the end of the year.
First of all, I was curious and did a little research on this initiative and wanted to share some fun facts:
- It is held the Tuesday following the U.S. Thanksgiving.
- Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation.
- The movement was a response to the rise in commercialization and consumerism during the post-Thanksgiving season (a.k.a. Black Friday and Cyber Monday).
- The hash-tag (#) makes it empowering via social media.
- There’s a whole website dedicated to #GivingTuesday!
- It’s not just about donating money but about encouraging people to find a way to give back – whether that’s monetarily or simply of your time.
Presented in alphabetical order, here are ten organizations working for the betterment of our musical world. (In order to give you the most accurate description of each of these organizations, the descriptions have been taken directly from their website.)
Disclaimer: This list is simply based on research. I am not being paid by any of these organizations nor do not have experience donating to all of these organizations. Always do further research so you know where your investment is going!
#1 Give A Note Foundation
Give A Note Foundation was created to bring awareness to the importance of music education and to nurture, grow, and strengthen music education opportunities—for every student, every school, and every community. Because music not only offers students the chance to develop creativity and self-expression, but also builds skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are necessary for success.
#MusicEdMatters
Visit: giveanote.org
#2 Hungry for Music
At Hungry for Music, our mission is putting quality musical instruments into hungry hands. We serve children who demonstrate a desire to learn music, as well as teachers who have students willing to learn.
In 25 years, we’ve delivered more than 13,000 instruments to children in 49 states and 30 countries.
Visit: HungryforMusic.org
#3 MTNA Foundation Fund
The
Music Teachers National Association uses the Foundation Fund to expand its mission through a variety of grants and awards to deserving music teachers and their students.
More than $150,000 in grants and awards each year for:
- Competition Prizes for the winners of the MTNA Student Competitions
- Collegiate Grants for the professional development of Collegiate members
- Program Development Grants for music organizations to use as seed money in their quest for larger-scale funding
- Community Engagement Grants for programs and projects designed to be used by affiliates to engage the local community in musical events
- Teacher Enrichment Grants for MTNA members to pursue needed professional development opportunities
- Affiliate Enrichment Grants for local and state MTNA affiliates to develop educational and professional development projects and programs
- Composer Commissioning Program for MTNA state affiliates to commission new music to be featured at the state conferences
Visit: mtnafoundation.org
#4 Music Link Foundation
Our Mission: Any child who has musical potential deserves the opportunity to nurture this talent to its full extent. Many children lack the chance to receive music lessons due to financial need. The MusicLink Foundation reaches out to low-income families by linking these students with professional music teachers willing to reduce their fees to make the lessons more affordable for the child.
Note: The MusicLink Foundation does not reimburse teachers for this scholarship donation, but supports them in a variety of ways.
Visit: www.musiclinkfoundation.org
#5 Music Unites
Music Unites is the leading non-profit charity organization supporting music education around the world. Music Unites partners with music stars, celebrity ambassadors and music sponsors to promote music projects and events at local schools – educating kids through music. Music Unites is a music foundation that empowers children through donations from individuals, foundation partners, organization events and music education projects. Along with our music partners, musicunites.org features news, events, video and press of the organization. Special charity partners have supported the Music Unites Foundation while guiding youth towards planning achievable goals for the future. Music Unites feature workshops with ambassadors such as Swizz Beats, John Forte, Sting, Gary Clark Jr., and more.
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/MusicUnitesOrg/
#6 The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.
#7 National Association for Music Education
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century
Visit: nafme.org/
#8 Pianos For Education
Pianos for Education supports piano education by loaning quality pianos to institutions…
…In pursuit of that goal, we have over time expanded our programs to seek out deserving institutions and organizations that lack the financial resources to acquire and maintain adequate inventories of quality pianos for their music-education curriculums. We also accept applications from private piano teachers and studios in need of piano loans for their students’ studies. All of our loan programs include regular service and maintenance throughout the term of the loan.
Visit: pianosforeducation.org
#9 Pianos for Peace
This program gives talented but disadvantaged young people the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to actively contribute to the development of their communities…
…We encourage and support students to become “Ambassadors for Peace” to build bridges and heal communities through creative, educational and cultural exchange programs. Target groups include children, students, refugees, and deserving academic institutions.
At Pianos For Peace, we are achieving peace starting with the individual, to the community and the world.
Visit: pianosforpeace.org
#10 Pianos for People
Pianos for People inspires successful futures by providing free access to the transformational power of the piano. For families and individuals with limited resources, we break down financial barriers and leverage the piano as a gateway to empowerment, community, and self-esteem. In an environment of support, inclusiveness, and equality, we do this four ways:
Inspiration: Free Pianos
Education: Free Lessons and Workshops
Community: Free Special Events
Enrichment: Free Summer Music Camps
Visit: pianosforpeople.org
I’m sure there are many, many more organizations out there that would benefit from our generosity on #GivingTuesday. If you know of any other organizations that work to support music education, please feel free to share in the comments!
Inspired by 
The best thing on that list in my opinion is