10. Our Patron, Awadagin Pratt

            He donates not only his time, but also all expenses, supporting four benefit concerts and recitals over the past 9 years.

  9. Strong Community Support

            All funding has been raised locally, through corporate and private donations and benefit concerts by Awadagin Pratt and, most recently, Zuill Bailey.

  8. Corporate Scholarships

            Some scholarships are funded on an annual basis by Sam’s Club, the Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust, the Young Men’s Club, and the Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant.

  7. Endowment Fund-raising Strategy

            Direct contributions are retained in our endowment, with only the earnings spent, making scholarships available for years to come. Grants are used 100% for program costs.

  6. Every Dollar Goes to Program

            Pratt board members and Illinois Wesleyan University underwrite all fund raising expenses (postage, printing, overhead).

  5. Nurture for Students

            Our Nurturing Committee maintains contact with scholars, making this more than just a dollar-based scholarship program.

  4. New Needs Met Every Year

            We continue to support existing scholars, and recruit new ones annually.

  3. A Diverse Student Population

            Our scholar population is a diverse one, reflecting the composition of our community.

  2. Need-based Scholarships

            Awarded on the basis of talent and financial need; our scholars would not receive lessons without our financial support.

  1. Needs Not Met Elsewhere

            Music lessons improve overall school performance; public schools cannot provide individualized instruction; a talented student who does not start by fifth grade would struggle to catch up musically.