$50,000 Foundation Grant
(This organization) promotes wellness, opportunity, and connection in underserved communities by providing lasting access to high-quality performing arts education. Founded in 2013 by music educator (Director), after budget cuts eliminated the music program at (School) in East Garfield Park, (organization) emerged as a direct response to the systemic disinvestment in arts education on Chicago’s West Side. What began as a grassroots effort to continue music instruction for a single school has since evolved into a stable, community-rooted nonprofit providing transformative arts experiences for hundreds of students each year.
(organization)’s mission is to ensure that youth from historically marginalized communities–especially Black and Brown youth–have consistent access to the same caliber of performing arts instruction found in better-resourced neighborhoods. We offer year-round programming including individual lessons, small group instruction, and ensemble participation in band, drumline, choir, and dance. Students perform regularly at community events, building confidence, public speaking skills, and civic pride. We also provide leadership opportunities and workforce development through paid internships and mentorship roles.
Our programming is entirely free and currently serves over 215 youth per week, with 98% of participants identifying as BIPOC. More than just instruction, (organization) fosters a sense of belonging, emotional safety, and personal growth through the arts. We create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and inspired to lead.
Since our founding, (organization) has served more than 1000 community members, many of whom remain engaged through ongoing participation, employment, or Board service. Our alumni have a 100% high school graduation rate and a 95% postsecondary enrollment rate. academic success, but also a deep commitment to personal development and community connection.
In 2022, (organization) made a bold and necessary investment in our future: we purchased a long-neglected industrial building just down the street from where we started. This space is being transformed into the (organization) Performing Arts & Community Center, a state-of-the-art hub for music education, creative expression, youth leadership, and neighborhood gathering. With an anticipated opening in Fall 2025, this new center will allow us to double our capacity to serve 350 youth and adults weekly, expand our staff and teaching artist roster, host community concerts and events, and offer space to partner organizations.
(organization) is more than a music program, it is a cultural home for a community too often left behind. Through accessible, high-impact arts education, we nurture the brilliance of Chicago’s West Side and invest in the next generation of artists, leaders, and change-makers.