Duke Ellington Scholarship

About the Fund
Named in honor of the legendary musician and pioneer of American jazz, The Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund at FAME Center is dedicated to upholding his legacy of innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in the arts. We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore their artistic potential and pursue their passions.

The Impact of Your Support
Your generous contributions to The Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund directly support students from underserved communities by providing them with access to private arts lessons in 6 different arts disciplines: Music, Visual Art, Drama, Creative Writing, Digital Art, and Art Therapy. With an average instructional cost of $5000 per child per year, your donation enables these aspiring artists to receive personalized instruction, mentorship, and resources to help them thrive.

Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of aspiring young artists. By supporting The Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund at FAME Center, you are investing in the future of our youth and helping to create a more equitable and vibrant society through the arts.Thank you for your commitment to empowering the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders.

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How Can I Support the Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund?

Donors can participate in supporting the Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund at FAME Center in various ways:

1. Direct Financial Contributions: Donors can make monetary donations to the scholarship fund. These contributions can be one-time gifts or recurring donations.
2. Endowment Contributions: Donors can contribute to an endowment fund for the Duke Ellington Scholarship. Endowment contributions provide long-term support for the scholarship program by investing the principal amount and using the interest generated to fund scholarships in perpetuity.
3. Sponsorship Programs: Donors can participate in sponsorship programs where they commit to sponsoring one or more students for their education at the FAME Center. This could involve covering tuition fees, books, supplies, or other educational expenses.
4. Matching Gift Programs: Donors can inquire if their employers offer matching gift programs where the company matches their employees' charitable contributions. This can effectively double the impact of their donation to the Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund.
5. Fundraising Events: Donors can organize or participate in fundraising events such as charity concerts, galas, auctions, or marathons to raise funds for the scholarship program. These events not only raise money but also increase awareness about the cause.
6. Legacy Giving: Donors can include the Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund at FAME Center in their estate planning by leaving a bequest or making provisions for a planned gift. This ensures their support continues even after their lifetime.
7. In-Kind Donations: Donors can contribute in-kind donations such as musical instruments, equipment, or other resources that are beneficial to the FAME Center and its students.
8. Volunteerism: Donors can volunteer their time and expertise to mentor students, assist with fundraising efforts, or serve on advisory boards or committees related to the scholarship program.
9. Corporate Partnerships: Donors representing businesses or corporations can explore opportunities for corporate partnerships with the FAME Center, which may include sponsorship, employee engagement initiatives, or cause-related marketing campaigns.
10. Educational Workshops and Programs: Donors can support educational workshops, seminars, or enrichment programs specifically designed to enhance the learning experiences of scholarship recipients at the FAME Center.
11. Advocacy and Outreach: Donors can advocate for the importance of arts education and the need for scholarships for talented young musicians, thereby helping to raise awareness and garner support for the Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund within their communities.

By engaging in these various avenues of support, donors can make a meaningful impact on the lives of aspiring musicians and contribute to the legacy of Duke Ellington while fostering artistic excellence and educational opportunities at the FAME Center.

About the recipients

Recipients of The Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund at FAME Center are asked to first and foremost be the student they want to be as they devote time and energy to their arts education. In order to maintain their scholarship we ask them to additionally:

Commit to Excellence: Demonstrate a strong commitment to your artistic growth and development. Attend all scheduled private lessons and recitals with diligence and enthusiasm. 
Be Academic Responsibility: Maintain satisfactory academic standing in your school or educational program. Prioritize your studies while pursuing your artistic endeavors. 
Engage in the Community: Dedicate a minimum 2 of volunteer hours per quarter at FAME Center to support community arts initiatives, events, and outreach programs. 
Provide Communication and Feedback: Communicate openly and respectfully with your instructors, mentors, and fellow students. Seek feedback and guidance to support your artistic growth and development. 
Understand with Gratitude and Reflection: Express gratitude for the opportunities provided through The Duke Ellington Scholarship Fund. Reflect on your journey, celebrate your achievements, set goals for your future artistic endeavors, and thank those who have invested in your artistic journey.

We believe that by embracing these requirements, our students will not only benefit from the opportunities provided by the scholarship but also contribute positively to our community and the broader arts ecosystem.