2026GlobalGrantMakingIncreases to 57 Organizations Up From 32 The Previous Year
NAMM(The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global non-profit music trade organization, and the NAMM Foundation have announced over $800,000 in grants to 57 deserving charitable organizations, which represents the largest number of grants ever given to organizations from across all industry segments. The programs selected serve music makers across industry segments in 26 states andfivecountries andhelpprovide access tomusic learning and careeropportunitiesina variety of communities and demographics,especiallythose who areunderrepresented in the industry.
“Our unwavering commitment to supporting music making and workforce development forourindustry has always beenpartofour coremission at NAMM,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “With our industry in a regrowth phase, it is more vital than evertobe laser-focusedon creating more music makersfrom a variety of backgrounds, communities andprograms that further enrich arts and music in our society.”
“Thismarksthe most significant philanthropicendeavor from the NAMM Foundation, expanding on the spirit of generosity,compassionand hope that The NAMM Foundation has demonstrated since its founding.Each of the programsselectedsupportcommunities andneighbors whoturn to musicas anessentialpart oftheirdailytheirlives, reminding us that together, there is always reason for hope,” saidJulia Rubio,Executive Director,The NAMMFoundation.
NAMM and The NAMM Foundation share aglobalvision to significantly grow and diversify the Grantmaking program, with responsive investments that deepen impact, expand internationally, and balance representation across industry segments and funding priorities. This year The NAMM Foundation opened its grantmaking process to all eligible non-profit organizations in the US and abroad, with funding decisions guided by an independent panel of industry experts. These efforts have significantly increased the capacity to create more music makers worldwide and The NAMM Foundation is ready to exponentially accelerate these efforts over the next decade.
To learn more or contribute to The NAMM Foundation's grantmaking capacity, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
Currenthonoreesgrantees that receivedNAMM Foundation supportshared their individual stories as an example for otherprograms andcommunities to follow:
“The NAMM Foundation helps us keep the student studio open as a pathway for young people returning from incarceration.It'sa space where they explore creativity, build skills, and find mentorship through theplatform of music.We'regrateful to partner with the foundation in using creativity as a bridge back to the community.” – Brandon Steppe, Founder & Executive Director, The David's Harp Foundation
“The NAMM Foundation's grant accelerates our South Dade expansion, bringing consistent, free music instruction to students who need it most. With this support,we'readding teachers, classes, and performances-strengthening attendance, confidence, and community pride while empowering over 3,000 young people to learn, create, and lead through music.”- Sammy GonzalezZeira, CEO& Founder, Young Musicians Unite
“Through the generous financial support of The NAMM Foundation, JAMM is able to offer a Bluegrass Ensemble and Musical Theater in ourafter-schoolclub.” – Meghan Johnson, JAMM, Executive Director
“Thanks to The NAMM Foundation, Girls Make Beats can continue empowering girls from underserved communities through hands-on music education, ensuring that the next generation of producers and engineers reflects the diversity and creativity of the world we live in.” – Tiffany Miranda, President & Founder, Girls Make Beats
“We are honored to receive this grant from NAMM. The funding will help us to cover everything our students need, including instruments, musical equipment, performance apparel, transportation, and ingredients for hot meals. Thank you, NAMMFoundation!”-Derrick Tabb,CEO, Roots of Music
A full list of2026 NAMM Foundation Grant recipientscan be found here:https://www.nammfoundation.org/global-grantmaking
In addition, research funding supported the exploration of music's impact on education and TheFoundation'ssponsorships supported music education conferences and professional organizations.
2027 Global Grantmaking applications will open in theSpring of 2026. For more information about the NAMM Foundation and Global Grantmaking please visithttps://www.nammfoundation.org/global-grantmaking
About The NAMM Foundation Since 2006, The NAMM Foundation has been guided by its commitment to social responsibility in its efforts to create more music makers worldwide. Inspired by the generosity of the music products industry, The National Association of Music Merchants launched this philanthropic arm to serve its mission of strengthening the music products industry and promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music.
About NAMM The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) isthenot-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry. NAMM iscomprisedof 15,400 global member companies and individual professionals with a global workforce of over 475,000 employees. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music and advance active participation in music-making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visitwww.namm.org.
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SOURCE NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
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