Sony Music Group’s $100m Global Social Justice Fund supports 90 new organizations

Sony Music Group (SMG) has announced that more than 90 new international, national and regional community organizations will receive funding from SMG’s $100 million Global Social Justice Fund.

SMG said the rollout was part of its “global commitment to take action against inequality and injustice around the world”.

Sony Music Group announced its $100 million fund in June last year.

Today’s announcement represents the third round of funding from the SMG Global Social Justice Fund.

In total, with today’s announcement, the Fund has contributed to expanding programs at more than 300 global organizations.

To date, recipients of funding have included the likes of the Fondo Guadalupe Musalem in Brazil, Pour 3 Points in Canada, Key4Life and Young Urban Arts Foundation in the UK, plus Advancement Project and Race Forward in the US.

SMG said today (May 10) that recipients funded in the latest round included “community partners that help advance nonpartisan solutions in the areas of civic engagement, criminal justice reform, educational programming and youth advocacy”.

These organizations, said SMG, will impact communities across the African continent, Australia, Canada, the Latin America region, New Zealand, UK. and the US.

SMG added in a media release: “All Global Social Justice Fund beneficiaries are chosen by a diverse, global advisory committee representing divisions across Sony Music Group.”

Sony Music Group’s Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy and Social Impact, said in a new interview: “For me, the Global Social Justice Fund is one way Sony Music shows hope and a strong commitment to fighting systemic racism. I’ve seen firsthand the way the company has taken a firm stance on driving support through philanthropic efforts, both monetarily and by taking action through authentic partnerships and community involvement.

“Allocating the $100 million dollars was just the first step in saying enough is enough! When you’re a company like Sony Music, and your artists, songwriters and employees are living in communities facing injustices around the globe, there’s an obligation to take a stance to show that you are committed to this work for the long haul.”

“This round of funding is our most diverse and expansive yet.”

Towalame Austin, Sony Music Group

Added Austin: “This round of funding is our most diverse and expansive yet. From the organizations selected, to the countries and regions that will be impacted, our Task Forces have done an incredible job sourcing organizations that are committed to addressing key issues and supporting developmental programs for vulnerable local communities.

“More specifically, this round of funding will support charities focused on education, civic and community engagement programs, civil rights and social justice reform, youth advocacy, LGBTQ+ initiatives, cultural and historical institution preservation as well as mental health and wellness programs. Sony Music Group has a presence in more than 60 countries and this latest round gets us closer to serving all of those communities.”

Round three’s allocation organization breakdown is as follows:

  • 24% educational initiatives
  • 23% civic and community engagement programs
  • 21% civil rights and social justice organizations
  • 17% youth advocacy organizations
  • 15% additional equal rights, cultural and wellness programs

All nonprofit partners of SMG’s Fund are categorized within the following pillars: civic engagement, criminal justice reform and education.

Led by Chairman Rob Stringer, Sony Music Group houses both Sony Music and Sony Music Publishing within its ranks.Music Business Worldwide