NAMM and The NAMM Foundation Unite the Music Industry in Support of LA Wildfire Relief Efforts for Local Schools, Musicians and Nonprofits in the Region

CARLSBAD, CALIF., May 21, 2025 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, and The NAMM Foundation announced today that after an initial $50,000 donation from the NAMM Foundation in January prior to the 2025 NAMM Show, and with additional fundraising and efforts from the global music industry, a combined total of $134,000 in overall fire relief has been distributed to impacted musical organizations in the region.

The 2025 LA Wildfires Relief Fund was established by NAMM in response to the January fires in the Greater Los Angeles area and their devastating impact on NAMM members, music programs and music professionals in the region. 

Thanks to the generosity of The NAMM Foundation and over 125 NAMM members and donors, the following music communities have received critical assistance from the NAMM LA Wildfire Relief Fund. 

Support for LA Unified Schools 

Despite suffering a complete loss in the fire, Palisades Charter High School will receive support to continue their band program at a temporary commercial building in Santa Monica. 

“Thank you to The NAMM Foundation for their donation to our program,” said Peter Ye, director of bands at Palisades Charter High School. “During this time of crisis, we have seen how music can bring healing to our students and communities. However, any music program requires funding to operate. Especially now, we have extra costs because we don't have a centralized location. These costs include space rental fees, instrument replacement and repair, transportation and more — all in addition to our usual budget. Because of our dedicated community members and donors, like The NAMM Foundation, we continue to provide music education and performance opportunities to our students when they need them the most.”

The theater at Marquez Charter Elementary, which was destroyed by the fire, will also be rebuilt and shine again with new sound and lighting equipment, allowing for a creative space for student expression. 

Support for Musicians 

Altadena Musicians is restoring hope and essential equipment for freelance artists affected by the fires, strengthening our creative community. 

"Since the January fires that irrevocably changed lives forever, we have learned so much more about the different kinds of people who play instruments, the effect of their losses and what more we need to do to meet those demands on their behalf,” said Brandon Jay, founder of Altadena Musicians. “From launching our app, Instrumental Giving, which is peer-to-peer connection for donors and recipients, to the outpouring of support from individuals, organizations and the music industry to donate instruments, the generous support from The NAMM Foundation will help us in our effort with maintaining our app and database on the scale we need, determining storage space and transport of instruments. Instruments aren’t just things; they carry stories, lineage and magic. Even though instruments are irreplaceable, together we can help musicians — players who lost everything — to continue their journeys and make new magic. We are here for however long it will take to help everyone recover."

LA's producers, engineers and creators will rebuild critical infrastructure affected by the fires, thanks to the support of The Foundation and Moving the Needle, revitalizing LA’s vibrant and creative community. 

With the support of the foundation and Music Forward Foundation, live music professionals are finding relief from displacement expenses caused by the fires, enabling them to get back to work and rebuild their careers. 

The foundation’s support is empowering LA musicians to recover and replace their valued instruments and equipment through Guitar Center Music Foundation’s micro grants. 

Support for Nonprofits 

Assistance will support Sweet Relief’s ability to help LA musicians receive much-needed relief to replace lost equipment, cover medical bills and handle vital living expenses. 

Outreach Through the Arts is restoring hope and harmony by providing musical instruments to students in Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica who lost theirs in the fires.

###