#GivingTuesday: Giving Thanks, Giving Back

With the holidays in full swing, it’s an opportune time to consider the ways we can make a difference in the lives of others. As you prepare to celebrate with friends and family, consider these opportunities to give back to the music and audio community this season.

The Recording Academy's MusiCares organization offers critical assistance to music pros in times of need; support is confidential and you don’t have to be a member. MusiCares also offers a range of health and welfare services, from free dental screenings to Safe Harbor Rooms, which offer a support network for those in recovery while they’re participating in major music events. 

The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility that provides young people with studio tours and participation in free digital media production workshops.

VH1 Save The Music partners with local communities and school districts to build sustainable music programs. In celebration of #GivingTuesday, the Hard Rock Heals foundation will match online donations up to $5,000, through November 27.

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life connects the global dance music community with charitable action in support of children in crisis.

In the UK, Backup offers financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals struggling with medical bills and other expenses.

Little Kids Rock gives under-served schoolchildren across the U.S. access to fun, engaging Modern Band music classes and brand-new instruments at no cost to students, teachers, or school districts.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s EIF Fire Relief Fund supports firefighters and first responders risking their lives to protect the people of California. (For a list of ways to donate to the victims of California wildfires, click here.)

Women make up less than five percent of the audio industry. Help change the face of sound by supporting Soundgirls, Women's Audio Mission, and Girls Rock Camps, which offer career resources and educational outreach to young women and girls.

Entertainment industry associations such as the Audio Engineering Society, NAMM, and USITT all operate foundations committed to supporting the education of the next generation.

Got an instrument gathering dust in your attic? The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates instruments to deserving, under-funded music programs. 

Vet-Traxx is a Northern California-based nonprofit that helps vets combat PTSD/TBI and other disabilities by providing a musical outlet for expression through free songwriting and recording services. 

If you’d like to set up your own music fundraiser, here’s a great guide.

Here’s to a season of giving together.