The Grand Forks Herald reported that the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Region is directing $54,000 toward music education initiatives in Grand Forks County.
The money, provided through the Neel Family Fund Grant Program, will be distributed to Manvel Public Schools, the Grand Cities Children’s Choir, Northern Valley Youth Orchestras and the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, the foundation’s announcement said.
According to the foundation, the grants are intended to create meaningful learning, performance and artistic enrichment opportunities for hundreds of young people in the area.
The Neel Family Fund, established by Joe K. Neel, focuses on supporting music education for children and teens up to age 18, including school programs, youth ensembles, instrument purchases and guest artist engagements.
Foundation president and CEO Becca Baumbach said the grants reflect a belief that music education fosters confidence, creativity and engagement among youth.
Since its inception in 1998, the nonprofit foundation has awarded $16 million in grants throughout the middle and upper Red River Valley region, the Herald noted.
For more information, visit grandforksherald.com.