History
The Fender Music Foundation, formerly The Guitar Center Music Foundation, was established in 2005 in Westlake Village, California by Larry Thomas when he retired as CEO of Guitar Center, Inc. The foundation became active in 2006, raising $765,000 and awarding its first grants at the end of that year. By the end of 2007, their grants benefited over 10,000 people in 20 states.
To date the foundation has awarded instruments, equipment and money to 65 organizations. Some of these recipients include schools, educational centers for those who are to be released from prison, community music centers and therapeutic music programs. By March 2008, grants had been awarded to programs in 24 states. The list of programs the foundation supports is continually growing as they receive numerous grant applications every year.
Unfortunately, the Foundation is also forced to reject many of the applicants each year due to application discrepancies. Discrepancies include incorrectly completed applications, applicant programs that are not within the scope of the foundation's grants, or requests for items that GCMF does not award.
In February 2008 the foundation established a relationship with President Jimmy Carter and his organization, Carter Center. The Music Foundation will be providing musical instruments and memorabilia to the Carter Center auctions in return for publicity and the Carter Center’s public support of the Guitar Center Music Foundation and the importance of music in people’s lives.
Read more about this topic: Fender Music Foundation
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