Our Finances | Music Foundation Of

89% of your donation goes to the kids.

FY2024 Expenses

A strong focus on needs-based programs

For the last 3 years, we have continued to shift our focus on needs-based programs. All of the students in our Private Lesson Programs are from low-income families. Our average student comes from a family of 4 with an average income of $47,700. Yet, our students excel academically, with an average GPA of 3.93. On average, our students take 3-4 honors level courses. These are high potential students worth of your support.

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Private Lessons

51% of program expenses

An important part of our mission is to make music accessible to families who are unable to cover the costs. For the 2024-2025 school year, we have nearly 50 students in our Private Lesson Programs:

Haegg Middle School Program: Through the generous support of the Haegg & Halpin Families, we are able to provide 18 Middle School students with free private lessons.
Sansom Foundation Program: Similarly, thanks to a generous grant from the Sansom Foundation, we are providing 19 High School students with free private lessons.
Learning Elementary to Advanced Piano (LEAP): Long time supporters Anne Roberts and Myra Williams have funded our private lesson programs for piano, and we have 10 students in those programs.
Fernando Classroom Piano Program for Title 1 Schools: The Fernando program gives elementary students the opportunity to learn music and piano skills in an after school program. We currently have 5 Title 1 Schools in the program, and class sizes but average 5 - 15 students.

While the rules vary for each program, generally, students are recommended by their School music instructor or other professional who has insight into that student and their family. Students must also compose a music related essay, and pass an audition to participate. We monitor the progress of students throughout the course of the year to ensure the student's progress.

Scholarship Competition

20% of program expenses

Now in it's 54th year, the Annual Scholarship Competition gives all students regardless of income the opportunity to compete for cash prizes to be used to further their musical studies. This past year, we welcomed approximately 70 students to compete in the Senior Division (9th to 12th grades) and the Junior Division (6th to 8th grades). Selected winners are invited to perform at the Winner's Recital, held in April each year.

In addition, Gordon & Judy Hammes have funded a $3,000 prize for the top performing Senior to encourage the recipient in the serious study of music after high school.

Master Classes, Camps & Instruments

18% of program expenses

Our other programs support the pursuit of students' music studies, with a strong needs-based element:

Master Classes: The Masterclass Program is designed to provide helpful instruction for middle school and high school music classrooms. It’s focus is to provide students with professional clinicians, and to also assist music teachers with specialized instruction in areas of need. In the 2023-24 academic year, MFGN provided 11 middle school band and orchestra programs (6 of which were Title 1 schools) and 2 high schools a total of 13 clinicians and 67 classes.
Summer Orchestra Camp: This year, MFGN supported the Summer String Camp that has been provided in Naples for several years by Cathy Pflieger and Roland Forti. Students convene for 2 weeks in the mornings to sharpen their ensemble and chamber music skills, guided by professional musicians and teachers in the area. While there is a fee to attend this program, no student is turned away for the inability to pay the fee.
Instrument Upgrades & Purchases: Last year, we established a $25,000 fund to purchase or upgrade instruments for select exceptional students. Only students in our Private Lesson Programs are eligible. Our most exceptional students are unable to progress without professional equipment. For example, a professional level flute headjoint can cost more than $5,000! We make this possible for the most talented of our students.

Admin & Fundraising

11% of program expenses

We are able to keep our expenses very low through our volunteer-led organization. We have dedicated Board Members and other Volunteers who help us execute our mission. Please consider volunteering today!