September 02, 2022 I Philanthropy
Guitar Center Music Foundation Helps 70 Organizations in Q1, Q2
Students work in music class at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos, California.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF), a nonprofit focused on granting instruments to music education and music therapy organizations, has reported its expanded its growing list of grantees to a number of education and outreach initiatives in Q1 and Q2.
“It is our mission to give everyone the power to express themselves through music, and to keep music education alive and attainable,” said Myka Miller, Guitar Center Music Foundation executive director. “As we continue to partner with groups across the country, it is clear that music education is key to providing a voice and safe space to musicians and non-musicians alike. We must foster talent and encourage people of all ages to share their experiences through sound.
“During the first half of this year, we assisted over 70 organizations, putting us on track to double last year’s numbers,” Miller continued. “To date this year, GCMF has awarded over $200,000 in grants, impacting more than 10,000 young musicians. Through instrument grants and donations, our goal is to ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible.”
One example of GCMF’s work is a new program at the Antioch Speedway in Antioch, California. When Antioch Speedway volunteer Larry Adams learned that kids from Antioch High School might not graduate due to not having enough elective credits, he saw an opportunity to create a class for students to broadcast the racetrack’s events to earn those missing credits. Adams came to GCMF asking for audio-visual gear to help build Antioch High School’s new broadcasting program, and GCMF donated all AV equipment needed for the students. Now, these students not only get the chance to graduate but also receive hands-on experience in a field that could offer college scholarships.
Another example is at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos, California, which offers temporary emergency shelter for homeless, runaway and abandoned youth, ages 12–17. It serves and nurtures youth in crisis with shelter, counseling and support services, empowering them to come through their crisis with increased confidence, stability and tools for continued growth. The organization provides residents with music classes, for which GCMF donated several guitars and ukuleles.
