The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF), a nonprofit dedicated to music education and therapy, is making 2025 a landmark year. Focused on breaking down financial and geographic barriers to music, the foundation has significantly broadened its reach with initiatives ranging from wildfire recovery to national community partnerships.
A statement from the organization discloses that it has “significantly expanded its outreach in the first half of 2025,” continuing its mission to empower schools, community centers, and therapy programs across the country.
Earlier this year, GCMF led a coordinated industry response to the devastating Southern California wildfires. Partnering with major companies including Sony Music Group, Gibson, Sennheiser, Universal Audio, and Martin, the foundation mobilized resources to support recovery. A statement from the company notes that this coalition “provided urgently needed instruments, funding, and support to over 600 musicians and 15 community-based organizations and schools” across the Los Angeles area.
The effort continued at the 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim, where GCMF co-sponsored the Ultimate Jam Night in partnership with the David Z Foundation. Proceeds supported wildfire recovery efforts and the NAMM Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Centers. GCMF also served as the featured nonprofit partner at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, where a portion of artist submission fees went directly toward relief.
In March, the foundation put a spotlight on women leaders in music through two major events. A statement from GCMF highlights that “in honor of Women’s History Month, GCMF supported two major events on March 25.” The first, Women: Amplified, featured voices including Alicia Keys, Amazon Music’s Phylicia Fant, and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Joelle James. That same day, the foundation co-sponsored Women on Record, a panel at Guitar Center’s Hollywood flagship featuring Ann Mincieli, TOKiMONSTA, and Nova Wav in partnership with She Is The Music.
The foundation’s outreach also reached national television. On The Kelly Clarkson Show, GCMF awarded $5,000 grants to three programs in need: Atlanta’s Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, New York’s Jazz Power Initiative, and Greene Central High School in North Carolina. Additional wildfire relief funds came through a “Music Matters” grant from Law Rocks and more than $16,000 raised by the Get Together Foundation’s benefit concert.
In June, GCMF turned its focus to Nashville, closing out CMA Fest weekend with two sold-out Behind the Lyrics shows in partnership with Custom House. Hosted by ACM Song of the Year winner Josh Phillips and hit songwriter Brock Berryhill, the events featured standout performances and a silent auction that raised $6,600 for GCMF’s mission. The organization also partnered with Ryan Seacrest Studios and country artist Drew Baldridge to present ukuleles to patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“These are just a few examples of the ways in which GCMF has expanded the scope of our efforts in the first half of 2025,” stated Executive Director Myka Miller. “We thank everyone who has supported our efforts this year, and we look forward to much more activity in the back half of 2025.”
For more information or to get involved, visit GuitarCenterFoundation.org or follow the foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
