Playing For Change Foundation

Playing For Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) was established in 2007 and is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. PFCF is dedicated to connecting the world through music by providing resources (including, but not limited to facilities, supplies, and educational programs) to musicians and their communities around the world.

Our mission is to create positive change through music and arts education. We support music schools and programs that are created from the community and owned by it, and then purposefully connect those communities around the world.

To date, 12 music schools and programs have been created 9 countries including Bangladesh, Brazil, Ghana, Mali, Nepal, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and the United States. More than 1,000 young people attend free classes in dance, instruments, languages and musical theory, all taught by qualified local teachers. 15,000+ greater community members have benefitted from these PFCF-operated programs.

Guiding Principles for our projects:

• Using Music to Transform Lives and Communities: Caring adults encourage discipline, joy and personal expression through music and arts programs. Programs emphasize tolerance and shared understanding as methods for solving problems.
• Connecting People and Communities: Cameras and other technology empower individuals and communities to tell their own stories. Children in different countries and schools learn about and get to know peers who live in dramatically different regions and circumstances.
• Economic Empowerment: We use local materials and labor when building; utilize local teachers and administrative staff and provide living wages; and creating opportunities for earned income through performances, and creating costumes, instruments and art for sale.
• Local Leadership: Programs are led and affirmed by area village and community leaders.