The foundation of the Rotary Club of Edina recently awarded a grant of $4,000 to Edina Give and Go for its “Instruments for All” program. Instruments for All is designed to inspire and facilitate the musical education of economically disadvantaged Edina students from fourth grade on up by providing access to band and orchestra instruments at little or no cost. Though the majority of Edina students are able to privately rent or purchase an instrument, Edina Public Schools maintains an inventory of “loaner” musical instruments available for economically disadvantaged students to borrow via a waiver program. Edina Give and Go works with Edina Public Schools to make sure the instruments are properly maintained and tuned. The grant from the Edina Rotary Foundation will support 40 students who qualify and are looking to play in Edina’s band or orchestra programs.
“During the 2017-2018 school year, with generous and pivotal funding from the Edina Rotary Foundation, Edina Give and Go was thrilled to launch the Instruments for All initiative,” wrote Executive Director Maggie McCracken in the grant application. “The positive impact of this partnership has been immediate: In 2018-2019, Edina Give and Go was pleased to support the musical pursuits of 73 students – an 8 percent increase from the launch year.”
Money for grants awarded by the Edina Rotary Foundation is raised at an annual fall fundraiser and gala and donations made throughout the year.