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. Our mission is to create positive change through music and arts education. We support music schools and programs that are created and operated by the local community and then purposefully connect those communities around the world. 27 music and education programs have been created in 19 countries including: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Perú Jordan, Rwanda, Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Uganda, Thailand, Nepal, Morocco and the US. More than 3,000 young people attend free classes in dance, instruments, languages and musical theory, all taught by qualified local teachers. Projects also meet basic needs for some of the world’s most economically vulnerable children. This includes primary education, literacy, and the provision of humanitarian aid such as clean water, food, medicine, clothes, books, and school supplies. Solar light and energy, laptop computers, and other modern technology have also been introduced in areas where previously unavailable. When children play music together, collaboration increases and conflict is reduced. And critically important to children, particularly those who are vulnerable due to poverty, conflict, drugs, and neglect, is that learning music increases self-esteem and fosters resilience and joy. To date, over 20,000 children and community members have been impacted through the Foundation's music programs and local development efforts.