MMEA Foundation

The MMEA Foundation was established in late 1997 with an initial contribution of $78,000, and has since grown to over $125,000 through the generosity of our members, retirees and affiliated organizations. The Foundation has also provided over $20,000 in grant money for music education programs in the past 20 years.

Building a Foundation for Music Education
In this challenging time of budget crisis and the back to basics movement, we must take thoughtful, bold steps to invest in our children’s future. MMEA has just formed a board for the MMEA Foundation that will work to grow this endowment and direct disbursement in the years to come. It is the intent of the MMEA Board of Directors to use only the interest earned on this money, thus ensuring its perpetual existence. The MMEA Foundation fund is managed by the Minnesota Community Foundation, an organization that supports many education and community foundation funds.

The MMEA Foundation Board:
Julie Amacher - Parent/Booster Organization, MPR Radio Host
John Anderson - Retired Music Educator, Financial Advisor for Ameriprise
Michelle Gutoske - Pepper Music, Treasurer MMEA Foundation Board
Michael Hiatt - Past MMEA President
David Hyslop - Consultant for Orchestras and Fine Arts Organizations
Alan Raitor - Past MMEA President
Doug Orzolek - Current MMEA Past President
Terry Peffer - Eckroth Music
Steve Schultz - Past MMEA President
Paul Thomsen - Schmitt Music, Chair MMEA Foundation Board
Mary Schaefle- MMEA Executive Director - Ex-officio

Mission & Vision
The MMEA Foundation wants to ensure that Minnesota's proud heritage of strong music education continues in the future. That is the reason Foundation grants often go to new programs that are identified as critical by MMEA's members and leadership. Let's make sure that future generations also experience great music programs in our schools!

Annual Financial Awards
The Foundation Board will determine annual awards from the distribution of endowed earnings. These awards will be made to realize the above stated mission, vision, and goals. The MMEA Board of Directors or Executive Committee may generate applications for grants for approval by the Foundation Board. Awards are intended to produce a statewide impact and will not be used to support individual school or community efforts.

MMEA Foundation Grants Include:
• Funding for advocacy work at the Minnesota state legislature
• Technology funding for All-State jazz audition pilot
• Claire McCoy Leadership Retreat for mid-career music educators (2 years)
• Assessment training for over 1000 teachers
• Mentoring of first through third year music educators

What Can You Do?
• Annual Giving – Make your tax-deductible contribution by check (payable to the MMEA Foundation) or credit card.
• Name the MMEA Foundation in your will. For more information about planned giving or a charitable bequest, please contact the MMEA office.

If you would like to contribute to the MMEA Foundation, send your tax-deductible donation to MMEA Foundation, 6860 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 103, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. The MMEA Foundation is managed by the Minnesota Community Foundation. Download a brochure about the foundation here.