The Fender Music Foundation makes the gift of music available to people across the country by providing funding and resources for music programs. Our grants are awarded to music academies, schools, local music programs and national music programs across America. As of January 2008, we awarded grants to 38 music academies and local music programs, 6 national music programs and 21 school music programs. We have reached state specific programs in 24 states. And have directly given at least 17,000 people the opportunity to make music within one year of receiving a grant. The following 5 programs represent the spectrum of programs selected by The Fender Music Foundation, which were awarded instruments and equipment:

Music In Schools Today
Music in Schools Today provides therapeutic percussion, world music and movement classes to the most underserved and at-risk youth, in Bay Area Schools and community centers. Many of the children reached by this program, have experienced violence in their homes and communities, and, by making music, these children have developed improved self-esteem by transforming their loss, anger and alienation into personal growth and inner discipline -- rather than violence. The Fender Music Foundation believes making music has a huge impact on our health and sanity and awarded a set of frame drums and over a hundred percussion instruments to support 5 different community centers, reaching over 500 students each year.

Hijos de la Musica Latina
This non-profit music program empowers talented Latino youth that are primarily financially, economically and emotionally at-risk, who have a certified talent and gift for Latin music. This music program not only gives youth the gift of music, but also teaches them life long skills that will help them pursue their future goals. The Fender Music Foundation was able to award them a 3-chanel power mixer, speakers, microphones and other music equipment. With this donation of instruments and equipment, Hijos de la Musica Latina will be able to reach more children.

Conejo Valley Youth Orchestras
The Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra is currently the only full orchestral program available to students in the area. As music programs in schools continue to be cut, CVYO fills an important void and provides a valuable cultural opportunity for student musicians. This program serves an ethnically diverse group of families, with no students being turned away due to socio-economic status or ability, and continues to grow as the demand for music programs continues. The FMF supports their mission in continuing a music program that has enriched their community and its members. The Fender Music Foundation awarded electric violins for the youth orchestra to auction, which will allow them to purchase needed instruments and equipment for the 225 students who play in the orchestra each year.

The Creative Arts Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Program
The Creative Arts Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Program welcomes patients and family members interested in exploring creative expression as part of their cancer treatment. The Creative Arts Program offers adult oncology patients and their families the opportunity to receive free music lessons that are especially helpful during difficult times of their treatment. Their total patient care includes addressing psychological, family and spiritual needs as important components of effective cancer treatment. The Fender Music Foundation was able to award about $2,500 in memorabilia for the program to auction.

Guitars in the Classroom
This music program provides affordable music instruction in guitar, singing and song leading to educators in 20 states reaching over 3,000 educators and 200,000 students annually. GITC has been developing innovative programs to improve education by training teachers to integrate music-making with academic studies. By providing instruction, access to instruments, resource materials, and program supervision, GITC empowers educators to transform classrooms into music environments that bring out the best in every student, engaging them in studies across the curriculum. The Fender Music Foundation donated over 95 guitars and memorabilia for auction, which will reach thousands of teachers and students each year.

Click here to learn more about the Fender Music Foundation grant.