As we closed the books on 2015 and reflect back on our organization's first full year operating as an IRS-recognized nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, we are pleased to report that the Spirit of Harmony Foundation is positioned for a year of opportunities to support Music Education in fun and exciting ways!

We have a strong and conscious vision, responsible systems in place, and an ever-expanding network of like-minded individuals and groups working together to raise awareness about the benefits of Music Education, and to elevate Music Education to the level of a Moral Imperative.

The Foundation takes great pride in the fact that we operate with practically no overhead. In 2015, every dollar we spent was 91.4% Program expenses and 8.6% Administrative expenses. For 2016, we are projecting 90.1% Program expenses and 9.1% Administrative expenses. In generally accepted practice, the top-rated nonprofits keep their overhead and general operating expenses under 25 percent of the money raised.

In November 2015, our Board of Directors adopted a 2016 Strategic Plan for the Foundation, which set administrative and programmatic goals and objectives. Please click here for details.

In January, we mailed out over 150 letters to our FY2015 donors, combining multiple monetary donations throughout 2015.

We are so happy to be working with YOU to spread the love and joy of music, and celebrate the important role music plays in our lives!

Welcome to our inaugural quarterly newsletter, 'Libretto'! Its goal is to keep our network of stakeholders better informed as to what your foundation is doing.

2015 was a great year, highlighted by accomplishments as well as more tightly focusing our mission and vision.

Our Symposium for the Moral Imperative of Music Education in Little Rock was an absolute success. It provided an opportunity to document and disseminate a wealth of information about the values of music education, illustrating why it is vital that we continue our work and expand our network.  

One very important piece of information was the suggestion that each of us can easily be an active ongoing advocate for music education. Mary Lehursen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation, made the point that the simple act of sharing relevant articles, on Facebook or tweeting, is advocacy. Spreading from there, we can never know who may see it, a person inspired to effect change in his or her community or to become an important stakeholder. This is essentially how the University of NoTRe Dame initially contacted us, setting the stage for what will be another tremendous event. More detailed information about this ongoing developing event is provided in this newsletter.

The experience in Little Rock further inspired Todd to better define what success for the foundation will look like and laid out clear goals. In response, the Board ratified a new strategic plan and Todd's vision is being implemented.

On behalf of Todd, Jean, our entire board, and myself, thank you for your support and inspiration through our initial developmental stage.  We are moving forward now and ask that you actively participate in our advocacy efforts as described or locally in some other meaningful way.