Laufey Launches Foundation to Make Youth Orchestra Programs Accessible to All

At age 26, Laufey has already reached the pinnacle of her industry. Now, she’s looking to help other young musicians realize their dreams, too.

On Tuesday (April 29), the Grammy-winning artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist announced the launch of The Laufey Foundation, which will strive to make music education, specifically youth orchestra programs, accessible to young people from all different backgrounds. Laufey got her start in youth orchestra programs before receiving a Presidential Scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music.

“The support and scholarships I received as a child have directly led to the career I have now,” Laufey said in a statement. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to provide the next generation with the same support and opportunities. I can’t wait to connect with the young musician community!”

The foundation will award inaugural grants to the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program, The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and two of Carnegie Hall’s national youth ensembles (NYO2 and NYO Jazz). It plans to extend grants to additional orchestras globally in the years to come.

Along with Laufey’s personal contribution to the foundation’s launch, AWAL, AEG Presents, and Steinway & Sons were announced as founding partners, while Warner Chappell, Catbird, and Gibson have come aboard as benefactor partners. Laufey will also donate a portion of the proceeds of every Mei Mei the Bunny plushie sold to the foundation.

This isn’t Laufey’s first charitable endeavor. Last year, she founded the Laufey Scholarship for Graduate Students at Syracuse University’s Bandier Music Business Master’s Program, which will provide $100,000 to international students in need of financial aid over the next 10 years. Earlier this year, she also donated to several organizations — including World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Humane Society, Altadena Girls and L.A. Regional Food Bank — that supported Los Angeles residents in the aftermath of the L.A. wildfires.