Pacific Symphony Receives $40,000 Grant from Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Orange County, Calif.-Oct. 15, 2015-Pacific Symphony recently became the recipient of a $40,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support economic revitalization and community development. The award is part of a regional approach to economic stimulation across Orange County as Bank of America provided grants to 12 local nonprofits that play a critical role in connecting low-income people to such resources as affordable housing, financial coaching, neighborhood preservation and arts and culture programs that spur economic growth.

"We are both honored and grateful to the Bank of America Charitable Foundation for recognizing Pacific Symphony with this grant," says Pacific Symphony President John Forsyte. "Service to the local community is a hallmark of our organization. Through our education and community engagement programs, we offer a rich array of outreach initiatives that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for local residents. These help to build a lifelong appreciation for music, while welcoming new and diverse populations to symphonic music."

The Symphony's education programs include introductory music activities in schools, and intensive extracurricular training and performance opportunities for young people. The Symphony provides professional development for educators and a variety of interactive experiences for concertgoers. Additional outreach efforts include complimentary tickets for underserved audiences through the

The Heartstrings program-a major community-wide initiative-plus, free community performances at parks, libraries and senior centers, and radio broadcasts of concerts on Classical KUSC FM, which reach Southern Californians and listeners across the U.S. and the world.

"We look to Bank of America to continue our partnership to achieve community prosperity through this grant of $40,000," says Forsyte. "Funds will directly subsidize and maintain current programs, while increasing our community impact and outreach to local residents."

"By supporting organizations like Pacific Symphony, we provide our communities with access to art and culture that not only offer social and education benefits, but also acts as an economic driver for the region," said Allen Staff, Orange County market president, Bank of America. "The fundamental power of music can change lives and we want to make sure our youths have exposure to a wide variety of educational opportunities."

Nonprofits in addition to Pacific Symphony receiving funding include: Arts Orange County, Charles W. Bowers Museum Corp., Discovery Cube Orange County, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Inc., Kennedy Commission, Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County Inc., Ocean Institute, OneOC, Orange County Education and Research Institute, and South Coast Repertory Inc.

The Symphony acknowledges the evolving needs of local underprivileged citizens. As a leading arts institution, the organization strives to motivate those who struggle in our community. With these goals at the forefront of its strategic plan, the organization dedicates 10% of its organizational budget every year-among the highest of any symphony orchestra in the country-to its education and community engagement programs. Through every new initiative and strategic goal within the organization, the organization strives to be the arts institution which is recognized by the local community as a catalyst for economic growth. With a history of sound fiscal management, demonstrated through 26 years of balanced organizational budgets, the Symphony plays a vital role in the health and prosperity of Orange County.

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