Powering State-Level Progress: How Foundation Support Is Creating Advocacy Paths for Lasting Change in Arts Education Policy

How Foundation Support Is Creating Advocacy Paths for Lasting Change in Arts Education Policy

By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy

Anyone who has spent time advocating for music education knows this truth well: real progress doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen alone. Lasting change requires committed educators, informed advocates, and partners who understand that quick wins aren’t the goal—long-term transformation is.

At NAfME, our ability to support music education advocacy, educators, and students nationwide depends on partners who don’t just cheer us on from the sidelines. It relies on organizations willing to invest in the work and recognize the power of policy wins (both big and small) to create real change. That belief and commitment is exactly what the Music Man Foundation and the CMA Foundation have shown, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Just as mission-critical as our federal efforts, their generosity has helped catalyze grassroots advocacy across the country, giving us the support to empower our members with the practical resources needed to create state-level change. Through their support of our Advocacy Leadership Initiative, we’ve been able to build and sustain an Advocacy Leadership Force (ALF) of dedicated individuals who lead, organize, and advance music education advocacy in their own states and beyond. Their leadership is shaping the future of music education policy from the ground up, and we couldn’t be prouder of their impact.

Why State-Level Advocacy Matters for Music Education

Across the country, millions of students still lack consistent access to high-quality music and arts education. While federal policy sets broad direction and district-level decisions shape local experiences, state policy shouldn’t be overlooked, as it determines what’s prioritized and implemented for thousands of students at a time. Graduation and course requirements, curriculum guidance, educator standards, and funding priorities are often shaped at the state level, ultimately influencing whether students have access to a well-rounded education that includes the arts.

In every state, music education associations and advocates work tirelessly every day to create the changes they want to see in our nation’s music education landscape. They recognize that even incremental progress in one state contributes to a larger national picture, affirming the value of music education and strengthening the case for access and equity everywhere.

While these brilliant advocates bring boundless passion and commitment to the work, what they don’t always have is time or deep policy expertise. Many are current or former educators, parents, or community leaders juggling multiple responsibilities. Advocacy isn’t always intuitive, and legislative systems can feel intimidating. That’s why NAfME strives to meet advocates where they are with clear frameworks, credible research, and practical guidance for effectively achieving advocacy. This is where foundation support becomes truly transformative.

Financial Support that Turns Passion into Action

Thanks to generous grants from the Music Man Foundation and the CMA Foundation, NAfME recently developed a new suite of free, downloadable state advocacy resources through our Advocacy Leadership Initiative. These tools were thoughtfully designed to support advocates at every stage, whether they’re just beginning to explore policy work or are already deeply engaged at the state level.

At the center of these resources is the MAESTRO Act (Mandating Arts Education Standards, Training, and Resources Overall), an adaptable template for advocates to advance new state-level legislation. Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all solution, the MAESTRO Act provides a framework of six Titles that can be adjusted individually or as a package to meet each state’s political, educational, and community context. It addresses critical areas including funding, instructional requirements, graduation standards, educator licensure, and workforce development, meeting states where they are while keeping equity and access front and center.

Alongside the legislation template, a new strategic advocacy plan helps advocates plot out the “how” of state-level policy change. It offers a roadmap for building coalitions, engaging policymakers, and sustaining momentum over time. An additional infographic on the benefits of music education gives advocates a clear, compelling leave-behind piece—one that reflects what they already know to be true and helps communicate why investment in and support of music education matters.

Together, we hope these resources will help advocates feel prepared, confident, and supported as they set out to create meaningful change in their own states. With the backing of the Music Man Foundation and the CMA Foundation, we’re working to simplify advocacy, lower barriers to entry, and reinforce an essential message: you don’t have to be a policy expert to make a difference, and you don’t have to do it alone.

The Power of Partnership

The Music Man Foundation and the CMA Foundation have long demonstrated their commitment to music education. By supporting this work, they’re investing not only in individual programs, but in transforming the systems that make high-quality opportunities possible for students across the country, no matter what state they’re in.

Furthering that dedication, the Music Man Foundation recently awarded NAfME a new two-year “Strengthening the Sector” advocacy grant. This continued support will allow us to deepen the impact of our Advocacy Leadership Force and further strengthen state-level advocacy efforts nationwide. We’re deeply grateful for lasting partnerships with organizations that understand just how much advocacy infrastructure matters.

We’re proud and thankful that our shared belief—that sustainable access to music education depends on strong policy, informed advocates, and long-term thinking—is now reflected in resources advocates across the country can use to push for equity, quality, and access in their own states.

We are also grateful to Center Road Solutions, whose expertise helped shape these materials into practical, evidence-based tools advocates can put to use right away.

Looking Ahead

As these free downloadable resources reach educators and advocates nationwide, we’re excited to see how they’re adapted, shared, and used to meet each state’s unique needs. While we know that efforts like instituting the MAESTRO Act will take time—sometimes even years—to fully come to fruition, we’re confident that with the right tools and the right partners, progress is possible everywhere.

NAfME remains committed to supporting and empowering advocates in every state. Together, we can continue building a future where music education is recognized and treated as a fundamental part of every student’s learning experience, across state lines and for generations to come.

To our partners at the Music Man Foundation and the CMA Foundation: thank you for believing in the power of advocacy, the importance of state-level change, and the students who stand to benefit most from this work.

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