CMA Foundation Grant Program Awards $3.5 Million to Improve Student Success

The CMA Foundation, the Country Music Association's national music education nonprofit, today announced its 2019 financial commitments in an ongoing effort to enrich music education programs across the country. Over the course of the next year, the CMA Foundation will invest $3.5 million in financial resources to support those working to create positive change in the lives of children through music.

Focusing on five areas of revitalization-youth development through music, in-school music education, professional development for teachers, capacity building and research-the CMA Foundation continues their mission and work with selected grantees to ensure every child has access to a quality music education.

Since its inception in 2006, the CMA Foundation has been committed to improving and sustaining music education programs across the United States through a unique model of charitable giving. By collecting data and providing strategic plans for growth and development to each organization, the CMA Foundation is able to help create sequential programs that create positive impact within the field of music education.

"National trends show us that students who study the arts-specifically music, are more likely to see postsecondary success, however, the research concludes most music education programs are still not properly supported through funding and resources," says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. "Our mission is not just to provide funding for music programs, but to also provide resources and support that can be used to create models for success in establishing and sustaining thriving music education programs in communities across the country."

In 2018, more than 350 artists donated their time and performed for free at CMA Fest allowing ticket proceeds to help fund grants distributed by the CMA Foundation. Those funds have helped enrich programs throughout national public school systems, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.

A full list of the CMA Foundation's 2019 grantees can be found here.

Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested more than $25 million across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, proceeds from CMA Fest, the four-day long music festival held annually in Nashville, are used to power the CMA Foundation's social impact and unique model of giving.

To post a comment, you must register and login.