The NAMM Foundation Expands Grantmaking to Benefit All Segments and Communities of the Music Industry
November 17, 2025 – El Sistema USA has been named a grant recipient of The NAMM Foundation. The organization was selected as one of 57 programs serving music makers across all industry segments in 26 states and five countries providing access to music-making opportunities to a variety of different communities and demographics, including those who are underrepresented.
“This marks the most significant philanthropic endeavor from The NAMM Foundation, expanding on the spirit of generosity, compassion and hope that The NAMM Foundation has demonstrated since its founding. Each of the programs selected support communities and neighbors who turn to music as an essential part of their daily lives, reminding us that together, there is always reason for hope,” said Julia Rubio, Executive Director, The NAMM Foundation.
The grants serve to underscore the Foundation’s mission to advance participation in music making and offer quality access to all people. As one of 57 charitable organizations, El Sistema USA® will utilize the funds to support our Youth Ambassadors program, an initiative designed to train the next generation of leaders in our field and build systemic pathways into the music field and beyond.
Through programs like the Youth Ambassador initiative, we help young people like Ayde become confident leaders — and we help program directors and teachers build more equitable, student-centered classrooms.
“This grant represents an important investment in the young people at the heart of our mission. The NAMM Foundation’s support will allow us to expand opportunities for our Youth Ambassadors—students whose voices, leadership, and creativity are already shaping the future of our field. We’re grateful for the NAMM Foundation’s broad commitment to, and investment in, the growth and vitality of our field.
— Elizabeth Moulthrop, Executive Director, El Sistema USA®
NAMM and The NAMM Foundation share a vision to significantly grow and diversify the Global Grantmaking program, with responsive investments that deepen impact, expand internationally, and balance representation across industry segments and funding priorities. This year’s grantmaking program sets the stage for a strong future in realizing this vision.
About The NAMM Foundation
Since 2006, The NAMM Foundation has been guided by its commitment to social responsibility in its efforts to create more music makers worldwide. Inspired by the generosity of the music products industry, The National Association of Music Merchants launched this philanthropic arm to serve its mission of strengthening the music products industry and promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music.
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of 15,400 global member companies and individual professionals with a global workforce of over 475,000
employees. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation’s efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music and advance active participation in music-making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.
About El Sistema USA®
El Sistema USA (ESUSA) works to ensure every child has access to high-quality music that celebrates their voice and potential by building a national network of member organizations and educators. With over 150 member programs, 6,000+ teaching staff, and 30,000 students, we support our network with staff development and training, research and data, student leadership programs, and advocacy for the field. ESUSA is committed to equity and excellence in music education. We envision a world in which every child—regardless of income, geography, or identity—has access to a high-quality music education program that builds community, opportunity, and personal growth. Our model emphasizes programs with free or low-cost tuition, frequent instruction (5-10+ hours per week), and ensemble-based learning. For more information about ESUSA, please visit elsistemausa.org.