NEWS
“Public Charity” Status Approved For Foundation for Bluegrass Music
The Foundation for Bluegrass Music received official word from the US Internal Revenue Service in March 2008 approving the organization’s public charity (non-profit 501(c)(3)) status.
According to board chair Richard Tucker, “This is an important determination because it confirms the Foundation is qualified to receive charitable donations, bequests, gifts or transfers of funds. Donors, whether individuals or organizations, can receive a tax deduction for their generosity knowing the Foundation is qualified and can confirm the public benefit their contributions is intended for.”
For more information about the Foundation’s programs and options for giving, please contact:
Foundation for Bluegrass Music
2 Music Circle South – Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37203
615-256-3222
www.bluegrassfoundation.org
info@bluegrassfoundation.org
Foundation Adopts Bluegrass in Schools Program
Since the mid-1990’s, the bluegrass music community has made a priority of providing resources to expose young people to the music in a positive and educational way. Beginning in July 2008, the Foundation for Bluegrass Music will formally adopt the “Bluegrass in the Schools” program as a centerpiece of its public work and continue to expand on these goals.
Among the types of resources and programs available are:
- teacher workshops
- lesson plan competitions
- artist training in delivering educational programs
- grants to encourage in artist presentations in schools
- program implementation guides
- interactive DVD and web based resources
- general information services
Bluegrass in the Schools program chairperson, Tom Kopp, Phd, indicates these programs will continue much as they have under the industry leadership of the International Bluegrass Music Association, but since they are of public benefit they fit better under the organizational umbrella of the Foundation. “The transfer of these programs will allow gifts that support their progress to be made as tax deductible charitable donations. This also opens the door to new funding options through grants and gifts of support from other foundations, endowments and even government supported programs, “ notes Kopp.
In adopting the program the Foundation board also approved a budget of $24,700.00 for 2008/2009 spread among the initiatives above.
The programs popular “Discover Bluegrass” DVD which is now in over 4,000 educators hands around the world will continue to be available at the cost of reproduction of the DVD ($3.00) and the board will soon be examining ways to improve and expand the program.
Teacher workshops are ongoing and a Lesson Plan competition for 2008 will be announced soon.
Schools that wish to apply for Matching “Challenge” Grants to help bring performing artists into the classroom for educational presentations may apply for them throughout the year through the Foundation.
Members of the International Bluegrass Music Association and its staff are volunteering time to coordinate these efforts.
