9 Best Music Charities to Donate in 2023 | Full List with Details

Music can connect people across cultures, generations, and even languages. It can inspire, heal, and bring joy to even the darkest days. But did you know that music can also be used for social change?

Many non-profit organizations are harnessing the power of music to make a difference in communities across the globe. By donating to these music charities, you can support important initiatives such as music education, therapy, and access to instruments for underprivileged individuals. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best music charities to donate to, and discover how you can use the universal language of music to make a positive impact in the world. So, let’s turn up the volume and get started!

Here are the 9 Best Music Charities to Donate to:

1. Save the Music Foundation

Let’s start with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. This nonprofit organization was established in 1997 to ensure that every child has access to music education and every community has a strong and sustainable music program. The foundation partners with school districts, local communities, and music professionals to provide grants, instruments, and resources to needy public schools.

They have provided over $60 million in grants and instruments to more than 2,000 public schools, reaching over 3 million students. VH1 Save the Music Foundation’s programs include instrument grants, teacher training, curriculum development, and advocacy. The charity has a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator with 85% score

2. MusiCares

Next up is MusiCares, a charitable organization established by the Recording Academy in 1989 to provide support and assistance to musicians and music industry professionals in times of need. The organization provides financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and food, as well as help with medical expenses, addiction recovery, and mental health services.

MusiCares also offers a variety of events and programs to help musicians and industry professionals in need, including a MusiCares Person of the Year tribute event, which honors notable musicians for their artistic achievements and philanthropic contributions to society. They have a 4-star rating with 96% numbers on Charity Navigator.

3. Music Wills

Music Wills is another fantastic music charity that aims to transform children’s lives by expanding access to music education in public schools. Founded in 2002, Little Kids Rock has provided free instruments, music instruction, and curriculum resources to over 1 million students in under-resourced communities. 

The organization partners with public school districts to develop and implement music programs that are culturally responsive, relevant, and engaging for children. The organization’s approach is designed to meet students where they are and provide opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and self-confidence building. They have a solid 95% rating with 4 stars on Charity Navigator.

4. Guitars Over Guns

Guitars Over Guns is a nonprofit organization that uses music education and mentorship to empower young people in underserved communities and reduce youth violence. The organization was founded in Miami in 2008 and partners with schools and community organizations to provide music instruction, performance opportunities, and mentoring to at-risk youth.

The organization’s programs are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and self-confidence and to provide a positive and supportive community for young people.  

5. Fender Play Foundation

Lastly, let’s talk about the Fender Play Foundation. This charitable organization was established by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 2018 to provide access to music education for young people in underserved communities. The foundation aims to promote music education and support youth in their musical journeys by providing instruments, resources, and instruction to schools and community organizations.

The Fender Play Foundation provides grants and instruments to schools and community organizations to support music education programs for young people.  

6. Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation

Continuing the list, we have Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. They’ve been around since 1996 and have donated over $25 million in instruments and equipment to schools in need. 

Their Instrument Donation Program is the heart of what they do – it’s all about getting musical instruments to schools that wouldn’t be able to provide music education otherwise. Plus, they have a cool program called “Play It Forward,” which encourages people to donate their used instruments so that the foundation can keep helping schools for years to come. They have 94% ratings on Charity Navigator with a 4 star ratings.

7. Jazz Foundation

Another great music charity is the Jazz Foundation of America. They’ve been around since 1989 and are about supporting jazz musicians in crisis. That means they help with everything from financial assistance to medical care to legal support – whatever a musician needs to keep doing what they love.

They’re also all about helping the jazz community in other ways. For example, their Jazz Mentors Program is all about pairing young musicians with experienced pros who can help them develop their skills and make connections in the industry. Regarding numbers, the organization has a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator with 94% scores.

8. Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles

Up next is the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA). They’re a music charity that provides free music education and orchestral training to young people in underserved communities in LA.  They offer individual and group instruction in everything from music theory to ensemble performance, and they even provide opportunities for students to attend concerts and master classes with professional musicians.

YOLA is also about building community and helping young people develop leadership and social skills.

9. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

Finally, there’s the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. They’re a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to professional musicians and music industry workers who are facing illness, disability, or other crises. The fund has helped thousands of musicians and industry workers with everything from medical bills to housing and living expenses.

The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is doing some really important work, and they’re making a real difference in the lives of musicians and industry workers who are facing hardship and illness. As per Charity Navigator, the foundation has a 3-star rating with 80% scores.

Final Thoughts

As we come to the end of our journey through the best music charities to donate to, it’s important to remember that music has the power to change lives. From giving children access to instruments and music education to providing music therapy for those who need it most, these charities are using music as a tool for social change. By donating to these organizations, we are not only supporting their incredible initiatives, but we are also tapping into the transformative power of music.

So, the next time you turn on your favorite song, take a moment to appreciate the incredible impact that music can have on the world. And if you’re inspired to take action, consider supporting one of these amazing music charities to help ensure that the gift of music is accessible to all. Together, we can make a difference, one note at a time.