Foundation, expanding on the spirit of generosity, compassion and hope that The NAMM Foundation has demonstrated since its founding,” said Julia Rubio, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “Each of the programs selected support communi- ties and neighbors who turn to music as an essential part of their daily lives, re- minding us that together, there is always reason for hope.” NAMM and The NAMM Foundation share a global vision to grow and diversify the grantmaking program, with responsive investments that deepen impact, expand inter- nationally, and balance representation across industry segments and funding priorities. This year, The NAMM Foundation opened its grantmaking process to all eligible non-profit organizations in the U.S. and abroad, with funding decisions guided by an independent panel of industry experts. These efforts have significantly increased the capacity to cre- ate more music makers worldwide and The NAMM Foundation is ready to exponentially accelerate these efforts over the next decade. “The NAMM Foundation helps us keep the student studio open as a pathway for young people returning from incarceration,” said Brandon Steppe, founder and executive director of The David’s Harp Foundation. “We’re grateful to partner with the founda- tion in using creativity as a bridge back to the community.” {nammfoundation.org}
A NAMM Foundation grant recipient.
NAMM FOUNDATION EXPANDS GRANTMAKING FOR 2026 N AMM and the NAMM Foundation have announced more than $800,000
“Our unwavering commitment to support- ing music making and workforce development for our industry has always been part of our core mission at NAMM,” said John Mlync- zak, NAMM president and CEO. “With our industry in a regrowth phase, it is more vital than ever to be laser-focused on creating more music makers from a variety of backgrounds, communities and programs that further enrich arts and music in our society.” “This marks the most significant phil- anthropic endeavor from the NAMM
in grants to 57 charitable organizations, which represents the largest number of grants ever given to organizations from across all industry segments. The programs selected serve music makers across industry segments in 26 states and five countries and help provide access to music learning and career opportunities in a variety of com- munities and demographics, especially those who are underrepresented in the industry.
EBS Partners with OMG Music for U.S. Distribution E BS Professional Bass Equipment has AB. “We want to make the brand more visible and easier to get hold of for bass players across the country.”
appointed OMG Music as its new ex- clusive distributor in the U.S., with the agreement taking effect immediately. This strategic move marks a significant ramp‑up for EBS’s presence in North America, mak- ing EBS accessories, bass amplification, cabinets and pedals available to bass play- ers across the nation. Since 1988, EBS has built a reputation as a maker of bass equipment geared toward professional bass players, from amps and cabinets to pedals and accessories. While the brand has always had a foothold in the U.S., the company believes it still hasn’t reached its true potential stateside. “We believe OMG Music has both the spirit, ambition and organization to take EBS to a new level,” said Bengt Lilja, in- ternational sales director of EBS Sweden
Established in 1990, OMG Music is a U.S. sales, manufacturing and distribu- tion company servicing MI retailers across North America. The company currently supports more than 3,000 active dealers in the U.S. “EBS represents the gold standard in professional bass equipment,” said Misha Guiffre, director of sales and marketing at OMG Music. “We are honored that EBS selected OMG Music based on our deep roots in the independent dealer commu- nity. We are committed to backing their exceptional engineering with the trusted service and personal relationships that our dealers rely on.” EBS extended its appreciation to Adam
Hall North America for its role in distrib- uting EBS products in the U.S. over the past years. In a statement it said, “As we move into the next phase of our North American growth strategy, OMG Music is well-positioned to expand the brand’s reach across the full product range.” {omgmusic.com, ebssweden.com}
16 I MUSIC INC. I JANUARY 2026
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