Playing For Change Foundation

Overview

The Playing For Change Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing creative opportunities for marginalized youth around the world. The foundation is an extension of the Playing For Change music project, which aims to unite the world through music and promote social change.

History

The Playing For Change Foundation was established in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support music education globally. It was founded by Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, who co-founded the broader Playing For Change project in 2002. The foundation's work is built on the success of the multimedia music project, which features musicians and singers from across the globe, blending their talents to create unified performances.

Goals and Programs

The primary goal of the Playing For Change Foundation is to create positive social change through music education. The organization supports music schools and programs worldwide, focusing on developing countries. As of recent updates, the foundation supports 27 music and education programs across 55 locations in 19 countries[3]. These programs include:

• Imvula Music Program, Gugulethu, South Africa
• Bizung School of Music & Dance, Tamale, Ghana
• Udayapur Nepal Music Program, Udayapur District, Nepal
• Ecole de Musique de Kirina, Kirina, Mali
• Tintale Village Mother's Society, Nepal
• Ubuntu Music Program, Kigali, Rwanda
• Mitrata Nepal Village Music Program, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Musica Music Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Khlong Toey Music Program, Bangkok, Thailand
• Cajuru Music Program, Curitiba, Brazil
• Mirpur Music Program, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Joudour Sahara Music Program, M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
• Playing For Change Patagonia, Patagonia, Argentina
• Baja Musical Arts Intensive, Tijuana, Mexico
• PFC Diamante, Argentina Diamante, Argentina

Playing For Change Day

Since 2011, the Playing For Change Foundation has organized an annual event known as Playing For Change Day. This global initiative aims to unite communities worldwide through music, promoting positive social change. The event is aligned with the United Nations' International Day of Peace on September 21, typically taking place on the nearest Saturday. In past years, Playing For Change Day has included hundreds of events across numerous countries, raising significant funds for the foundation and fostering a global community of music lovers.

Achievements

In 2019, the Playing For Change Foundation was honored with the Polar Music Prize for its contributions to music education and social change.

Financials and Ratings

The Playing For Change Foundation has received a rating on Charity Navigator, reflecting its financial practices and accountability[4]. The organization is headquartered in the United States and operates under the EIN 208568061.