SONY MUSIC DOLES OUT MORE SOCIAL JUSTICE FUNDS

More than 90 international, national and regional community organizations will receive funding from Sony Music Group’s third round of grants from the $100m Global Social Justice Fund.

Part of the company’s commitment to take action against inequality and injustice around the world, the beneficiaries are chosen by a global advisory committee representing divisions across Sony Music Group.

The allocations to organizations breaks down thusly: 24% educational initiatives; 23% civic and community engagement programs; 21% civil rights and social justice organizations; 17% youth advocacy organizations and 15% additional equal rights, cultural and wellness programs.

“Sony responded to the uprising after George Floyd's death—which was so horrible and devastating that it somehow felt different from what had come before—by springing into action and creating the Global Social Justice Fund,” said Towalame Austin, EVP, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group. “Giving and service have always been part of Sony’s DNA, so we felt a responsibility to step up in a meaningful way to serve the communities here and around the world where our artists and employees and fans live and work.”

Two prior funding recipients that give an example of the range of Sony's contributions are the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville and Sony U.K. artist Nao, a singer-songwriter and producer who hails from East London. Nao’s 3T Program—tour, tech and training—offers free courses to Black women interested in working in the live music sector.

Since June, the SMG Global Social Justice Fund has contributed to expanding programs at more than 300 global organizations.