The Music Community Foundation (MCF), a national extension of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has launched as a country-wide nonprofit hub with the aim to become a central force in helping music-driven philanthropic efforts.
Over nearly 30 years, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has grown to a network of more than 120 industry partners. It has supported philanthropic endeavors by artists including Trisha Yearwood, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Daigle and Chris Stapleton, with causes ranging from supporting animal nonprofits/shelters to mental health awareness initiatives. Now, with the launch of MCF — through which The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s music work will now flow — its reach will include all 50 states and offer coordinated support for national and international giving.
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MCF will be led by music industry veteran Rondal Richardson — formerly director of entertainment philanthropy for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee — who has been named executive director of the national organization.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s entertainment philanthropy program has long offered artists, managers and other industry members tools and infrastructure support for charitable giving. Over nearly 30 years, it has generated over $300 million in impact through more than 140 charitable funds, including $206 million in new gifts since 2018.
“For years, the music community has been the first to show up when it matters,” Richardson said in a statement. “This launch is about turning that influence into something lasting by giving artists and their teams a smarter way to build real impact. We’ve spent decades earning trust and understanding what works, and now we’re bringing that forward into the next era of music-driven philanthropy.”
The Music Community Foundation’s founding advisory committee includes executives from companies including CAA, the Grand Ole Opry, UTA, Red Light Management and WME, as well as artists Yearwood and Charlie Worsham.
“Since first partnering with the Foundation during the 2010 flood relief concerts, I’ve been proud to be part of the work they’re doing,” Yearwood said in a statement. “Through the Dottie’s Yard Fund, we’ve been able to support animal nonprofit organizations and shelters in all 50 states over the past five years. This is just one example of what’s possible when you have the right structure behind the heart, and it’s how you create meaningful, lasting change in communities everywhere.”
The founding of the MCF coincides with the launch of a new website, as well as broader calls for artists and industry members who are looking to further their charitable efforts.
