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BeFoundation Established SpreadMusicNow Fund at FCCF to Develop Young Musicians

BeFoundation established the SpreadMusicNow Fund at the Fairfield County Community Foundation to help musically inspired children and teens develop as musicians and creative thinkers. Students often lack exposure and access to the arts, particularly low-income and minority students. This arts gap contributes to the gap in students’ acquisition of 21st century skills, including collaboration, creativity, innovation, communication, problem-solving, personal responsibility and cultural awareness—skills essential to readiness for college, career and life success.

“SpreadMusicNow encourages students interested in exploring music as a career,” said Richard J. Wenning, BeFoundation’s Executive Director. “We help them develop as musicians and build their college and career pathways." SpreadMusicNow, based in Redding, supports music instruction provided through collaborations among K-12 school systems, local and national nonprofits, higher education and cultural institutions, and professional musicians committed to giving back to the next generation. SpreadMusicNow funding will support students in Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and Redding this summer.

“With SpreadMusicNow, BeFoundation and its partners are building a national source of support for emerging musicians,” Wenning said. “Fairfield County Community Foundation is an ideal partner with which to build this national initiative, and Connecticut is the perfect state for us to begin our work.”

SpreadMusicNow seeks inquiries from prospective partner organizations and educators from urban areas in Connecticut and nationally on behalf of elementary, middle and high school students who need assistance to gain access to high-quality music education and performance-based learning experiences. Students should have a passion for music, an interest in exploring music as a career, and demonstrate financial need.

ABOUT BE FOUNDATION

BeFoundation is a private, family foundation dedicated to transforming the lives and communities of disadvantaged youth in Connecticut. BeFoundation invests in organizations that share a commitment to expanding the pathways available for college, career and life success while building creative, smart and engaged communities. For more information visit www.befoundation.org or call 203-938-9000.

ABOUT FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded more than $168 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.