Music Unites Global Communities
New York, N.Y. – The Playing For Change Foundation is transforming lives by harnessing the universal language of music to foster social change and cultural preservation.
Founded in 2007 as a nonprofit extension of the Playing For Change multimedia movement, the foundation has spent nearly two decades building music and art schools for children in underserved communities worldwide. With a mission to connect people and inspire hope, the organization’s work resonates from rural villages to urban centers, proving that music can bridge divides and empower youth.
The Playing For Change movement began in 2002 when co-founders Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke envisioned a world united through song. Inspired by a street performance of “Stand By Me” by Roger Ridley in Santa Monica, California, they launched a project to record and film musicians in their natural environments, creating collaborative videos known as Songs Around The World. These videos, featuring artists like Slash, Carlos Santana, and Keb’ Mo’, have garnered millions of views, amplifying the movement’s message of unity. The foundation emerged to extend this vision, focusing on education and community development through music programs.
Empowering Youth Through Education
The Playing For Change Foundation operates music schools in 15 countries, including Nepal, Rwanda, and Mexico, serving marginalized youth who often lack access to cultural or creative education. These programs provide instruments, instruction, and performance opportunities, fostering social cohesion and personal growth. In 2024, the foundation reported impacting over 40,000 lives, with initiatives that preserve local cultural traditions while teaching skills like teamwork and resilience. For example, in Bangladesh, students learn traditional folk music alongside modern techniques, strengthening their cultural identity.
A Global Stage for Local Talent
The foundation’s work extends beyond classrooms through the Playing For Change Band, a traveling ensemble of musicians met during the movement’s global recordings. The band performs at festivals and events, showcasing the diversity of world music while raising funds for the foundation’s programs. Their performances, often blending jazz, blues, and reggae, embody the movement’s ethos of breaking down boundaries. The band’s 2025 tour, announced on January 10, will include stops in New York, London, and Tokyo, amplifying the foundation’s mission.
Why Music Matters
Why does music hold such power? The foundation believes it transcends language and geography, serving as a tool for healing and connection. In communities affected by poverty or conflict, music offers a safe space for expression and hope. Programs in South Africa have helped youth process trauma through songwriting, while in Thailand, students use music to advocate for environmental conservation. By investing in arts education, the foundation addresses global challenges like inequality and social exclusion, aligning with U.N. goals for sustainable development.
A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception, the Playing For Change Foundation has earned accolades for its transparency and impact. In 2024, it received a Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits for the third consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to accountability. The organization’s financial reports, available on its website, show that 80% of donations directly fund music programs, with administrative costs kept low. Supporters can join as members to access exclusive content, like behind-the-scenes videos, while contributing to initiatives that change lives.
The foundation’s work is a testament to the idea that small actions—strumming a guitar, singing a melody—can ripple outward, creating positive change. As Mark Johnson stated, “Music is the heartbeat of social change, connecting us to each other and to our shared humanity.” With plans to expand programs in Latin America and Africa by 2026, the foundation continues to inspire a global audience to believe in the power of song.
Call to Action
Support the Playing For Change Foundation by becoming a member at playingforchange.org.
Your contribution funds music education for children worldwide, fostering hope and unity.
Share Your Thoughts
How has music inspired change in your life? Share your story in the comments or on
social media to join conversation about the Playing For Change Foundation’s mission.
Tags: Playing For Change, music education, social change, cultural preservation, nonprofit,
global unity, youth empowerment, Songs Around The World, Mark Johnson, music schools
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Music Unites Global Communities: Playing For Change Foundation empowers youth through music education. Learn more: bit.ly/PFCF2025 #MusicForChange #SocialImpact
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Music Unites Global Communities: The Playing For Change Foundation inspires youth with music education worldwide. Explore their impact! bit.ly/PFCF2025 #MusicForChange #GlobalUnity
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Music Unites Global Communities: The Playing For Change Foundation drives social impact by providing music education to underserved youth in 15 countries. Since 2007, it has empowered over 40,000 lives, fostering cultural preservation and community development. Learn how music creates positive change: https://playingforchange.org #MusicForChange #SocialImpact #NonprofitLeadership
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Music Unites Global Communities: Playing For Change Foundation transforms lives with music education for youth worldwide. Discover their mission: https://playingforchange.org #MusicForChange
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The Playing For Change Foundation uses music to unite and empower communities. From Nepal to Rwanda, their programs inspire youth. Music Unites Global Communities. Learn more: https://playingforchange.org #MusicForChange #SocialChange
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Music Unites Global Communities: Playing For Change Foundation empowers youth through music. Join the movement! Link in bio.
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Music Unites Global Communities: The Playing For Change Foundation brings hope to youth through music education in 15 countries. From cultural preservation to social cohesion, their programs inspire change. Visit https://playingforchange.org to support their mission. #MusicForChange #SocialImpact #GlobalCommunity
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Music Unites Global Communities: The Playing For Change Foundation empowers youth through music education worldwide, impacting 40,000 lives. Their Songs Around The World videos unite musicians globally. How can music drive social change in your community? https://playingforchange.org #MusicForChange
