Volume Ventures LLC

Legendary guitar maker Fender is making a move into the non-profit space.

 

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced on Wednesday (Sept. 18) the launch of the Fender Play Foundation, a new charity designed to provide resources and music education opportunities to young people. As part of those efforts, the foundation has named Avril Lavigne, Chris Stapleton, Brendon Urie, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Ashley McBryde and Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt as its inaugural artist ambassadors for 2019-2020, with more to be announced at a later date.

 

Over the next three years, the Fender Play Foundation plans to raise $3 million to educational institutions and organizations via equipment donations, personalized instruction and artist experiences, with FMIC’s initial $1 million donation to be used to expand further fundraising efforts. Initial support will be provided to music education programs in Los Angeles, Nashville and Scottsdale, Arizona, where Fender has offices, with plans to expand to more cities next year. Educational institutions and organizations will also have the opportunity to apply for grants.