By Mitch Rice
Music has the power to change lives. It can heal, inspire and connect people like nothing else. But here’s the thing that most people don’t realise…
There are millions of people across the world who can’t experience music in the same way.
The good news is that artists and fans can make a difference. Supporting the right music charities has the power to change this.
Music charities to support are everywhere. You’ve probably heard of some. But they’re also doing incredible work behind the scenes. Their mission is to bridge the gap. Let’s take a look at how this works.
Guide to Music Charities to Support:
- Why music charities matter more than ever
- How artists are giving back
- The best ways fans can support music causes
- Finding the right music charity for you
Why Music Charities Matter More Than Ever
Let’s start with some hard facts and figures.
As per recent data, close to 3.6 million students enrolled in the U.S. public education system don’t have access to music. These schools are often located in urban communities and serve Black, Hispanic, and Native American students.
Needless to say, this is a rather shocking statistic. The lack of music education for such a high number of students is extremely concerning. This is exactly why music charities to support are more important than ever. They are charities working hard to help bring music to those in need.
The thing is that music is not just for entertainment. Research shows that schools with music programs have a 90.2% graduation rate. This is compared to just 72.9% for schools without music programs. The conclusion is evident. Music is a tool of development and success.
Music therapy is also on the rise in recent years. The interest in “music therapy” on Google has grown by 42% in the last five years. People understand the healing power of music better.
Music Artists and Fans: How Are We Helping?
Music artists understand this better than anyone. Many of them came from modest backgrounds and can vividly recall how they felt without the necessary resources.
This is the reason so many artists want to give back in any way they can.
One of the best-known organisations in this field is MusiCares. MusiCares was created in 1989 and has since then distributed over $100 million in support of the physical and mental health of over 200,000 struggling musicians. During the Covid-19 pandemic alone, they were able to give $37.5 million in relief to 49,986 music professionals.
Many other artists are also contributing. Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Jon Bon Jovi have all established charitable foundations, but their efforts extend well beyond the music industry. Dolly Parton is perhaps best known for her Imagination Library, which has sent over a million books to children in different parts of the world. Jon Bon Jovi has a Soul Foundation that combats hunger and homelessness.
Artist donation to music causes works better for these reasons:
- Artists know exactly where to send resources
- They can bring awareness to causes through their large following
- Artists and their actions are credible and are taken seriously by fans
- Artists are investing in the long term
Fans and Artists Giving Together
When artists give to causes, it sets an example for their fans to do the same. It’s a collective effort and there are many different ways music lovers can help too.
Here are some of the best ways you as a fan can contribute to the music industry:
Donate Instruments
Did you know that millions of children want to learn to play music, but can’t afford an instrument? Charities like Hungry for Music have worked for over 31 years and served more than 27,000 children by pairing them with donated instruments.
If you have an old guitar lying around, you can change a life by donating it.
Support Music Education Nonprofits
Music education charities provide schools with programming, teachers and equipment. The Save The Music Foundation has restored music programs in thousands of schools in the US.
In Newark, New Jersey, 94% of teachers said that music programs made a difference to their students’ social-emotional skills.
Attend Benefit Concerts
Benefit concerts are great because they allow you to have a great time, while at the same time, supporting a good cause. Many artists will donate 100% of the proceeds from their concerts, while others choose to match fan donations during the event. This is entertainment with a purpose.
Monthly Giving Programs
Did you know that $10 per month is a life-changing donation to those in need?
Most music charities have monthly giving programs and this is the most common way for charities to receive funding. It’s a consistent source of income for these organisations and with small donations from many individuals, these programmes can continue and even expand.
Volunteer Time
Money isn’t the only thing that people can donate. Time is even more precious. Volunteering is the best way to offer your time. Things you can do include:
- Helping to coordinate events
- Assisting with instrument repair
- Teaching support
- Administrative work
- Fundraising
A few hours a month are enough to make a huge difference.
Finding the Right Music Charity for You
Before we finish, here is one last thing to keep in mind when you want to give to a music-related charity.
Not all charities are equal. So, before you send your donation to a music charity, make sure to do some research and find out if:
- They are transparent with their finances
- They have a track record
- Their mission is clear
- You can verify the impact of the organisation
Charity rating websites can help you get a clear picture. Make sure to read up on the different organisations and their performance so you can see how they spend the money they receive and how much of it actually goes to the programmes.
If you are a music artist, then think about what the cause that resonates with you the most. There are a number of charities that focus on children and music education. There are also music charities to support that focus on musicians who may need help. There are local charities and there are also international ones.
The right charity for you is the one that really speaks to your heart.
Wrapping Things Up
Music is more than just entertainment. It can help change lives and bring healing to people in a way that no other form of art can. This is why artists and fans have a unique opportunity to give back. By supporting music charities in the different ways mentioned in this guide, we can make sure future generations can enjoy music.
Summary
- Close to 3.6 million students don’t have access to music education
- Music charities are helping to fill the gap
- Artists are leading by example and are making a difference
- Fans can donate, volunteer and support the music causes
Music and the music industry are driven by people and the passion they have for it. By donating time, effort and money, fans and artists can make a real change in the world. Music has the power to change the world and you have the power to change the world through music.
Let’s make a change together.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
