56 Organizations Across Six Countries Expanding Access to Music Learning and Powering New Pathways to Careers in the Music Industry
The NAMM Foundation is turning up the volume on its commitment to creating more music makers and expanding opportunities across the lifespan of learning, announcing grants to 56 charitable organizations advancing music learning and career mobility in the music industry. The Global Grants are part of the Foundation’s $1.2 million in charitable investments this year in the schools, nonprofits and people changing what’s possible through music.
Spanning 17 U.S. states, as well as Brazil, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, the 2027 Global Grantmaking recipients represent the breadth and diversity of the music ecosystem. From community music programs and youth development organizations to workforce initiatives, this year’s grants are helping remove barriers and create new pathways for people to learn, create, perform, connect and build careers through music.
The NAMM Foundation welcomed applications from eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and abroad, with funding recommendations evaluated by an independent panel of experts representing music research, nonprofit leadership and community arts. Grantmaking is focused on two key areas: Music Learning and Career Mobility—supporting high-impact organizations working to increase access for underrepresented communities and broaden opportunities throughout the music ecosystem. In addition, NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking supports programs across all industry segments, including school music, fretted instruments, percussion, recording and production, and more.
“The NAMM Foundation’s grant program is one of the key pillars of how NAMM fulfills its mission and supports music makers all over the world,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM. “Our 2027 grantees are doing extraordinary work to make sure our industry continues to grow. By investing in these organizations, we’re not just supporting programs—we’re helping build the next generation of music makers, creators and music industry professionals.”
Julia Rubio, executive director of The NAMM Foundation, added, “This year’s grantees reflect the incredible energy, creativity and diversity of the global music community. We’re excited to support organizations that are breaking down barriers, reaching new audiences and creating meaningful pathways into music. These investments are about expanding what’s possible—giving more people the opportunity to discover their voice, develop their talents and find their place in music.”
2027 Global Grantmaking Grantees
The 2027 grantees demonstrate the many ways music can serve as a catalyst for learning, connection, confidence, creativity and opportunity—and underscore the importance of investing in programs that make music accessible to more people, in more places, throughout their lives.
“The NAMM Foundation’s support has helped Girls Make Beats create more opportunities for girls to discover their potential and see themselves in the music industry. We are grateful to The NAMM Foundation for investing in our girls and helping us shape a more inclusive future for the music industry.”
— Tiffany Miranda, Founder & President, Girls Make Beats
“Having this type of support gave me the confidence to believe in myself and see that a career in the music industry wasn’t just a dream — it was something I could truly pursue.”
—Lillian Gattis, 2026 VOX Participant, National Independent Venue Foundation, 2027 NAMM Foundation Grantee
The NAMM Foundation’s Mission
The NAMM Foundation’s mission is to help break down barriers that keep music learning and music careers out of reach. By investing in the institutions, research and people changing what’s possible, we help build musical communities that welcome and support everyone — in the U.S. and around the world. To support this work, consider a gift to the Foundation.
View the complete list of 2027 Global Grantmaking recipients here.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity established in 2006, born from the National Association of Music Merchant’s (NAMM) decades-long commitment to giving back. Since its founding, the Foundation has invested over $20 million to expand access to music making and music education for people of all ages. Today, we invest in a connected music ecosystem spanning the music industry, education and nonprofit organizations. Our charitable investments and programs aim to expand access to music making and celebrate the people and stories that shape our musical world.
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit trade association representing the $18.1 billion global music products industry, with a mission to strengthen the music industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.
Comprised of more than 9,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, NAMM supports an industry that employs more than 400,000 people globally. Through its programs, events and advocacy efforts, NAMM advances a shared vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive music products industry where every person has access to the joy of music-making.
NAMM also operates The NAMM Foundation, investing in the future of music through the support of education, global grantmaking and featured programs that expand participation in music across all ages and stages of life.
Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., NAMM serves as a leading voice for the global music products industry through public policy, advocacy, education and other member services. For more information, visit NAMM.org, and learn more about NAMM’s Vision, Mission & Objectives at NAMM About Page.
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