MusiCounts and TD Bank Group have launched the new MusiCounts TD Community Music Grants. TD has joined forces with MusiCounts to expand programming designed specifically to create opportunities for youth in underserved communities. MusiCounts TD Community Music Grants will provide musical instruments and equipment to community-based music programs which have great potential yet are in need of funding to ensure their sustained growth. The grants will be intended for programs housed in community centres, after-school programs and other non profit organizations serving local communities. MusiCounts TD Community Music grants will be offered in allotments ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to deserving programs. In total, $200,000 in grants will be awarded to the selected recipients.

To learn more about this program and to apply for a grant, please visit www.musicounts.ca. To view interviews about the program by MusiCount's Director, Allan Reid, and the co-founder of Broken Social Scene, Kevin Drew, click the links below:

• TORO Magazine interview with Allan Reid and Kevin Drew
• 680 News interview with Allan Reid

TD has also supported MusiCounts’ Band Aid grant program. MusiCounts kicked off JUNO Week 2012 in style with a Band Aid Grant celebration, sponsored by TD, that brought together five schools from around the Capital Region. The event took place at The Canadian War Museum and featured an inspiring performance by two-time JUNO Award winning artist, Johnny Reid.

About MusiCounts

MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is helping to keep music alive in schools across Canada. MusiCounts’ mission is to ensure that children in Canada, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, or cultural background, have access to music programs through their schools. MusiCounts includes Band Aid musical instrument grants, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Scholarships and other music education initiatives. Since MusiCounts’ establishment in 1997, over $6,000,000 will have been donated impacting 286 post-secondary music program graduates and an estimated 520,000 students, their schools and communities, from coast to coast. MusiCounts will have also honoured 8 extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. For more information, please visit: www.musicounts.ca