Traveling Guitar Foundation
Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Audiodog24 (talk) 15:39, 9 August 2026 (UTC)
| Abbreviation | TGF |
|---|---|
| Formation | March 12, 2010 |
| Founder | Damon Marks |
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | Music education |
| Location |
|
| Website | www |
The Traveling Guitar Foundation (TGF) is an American nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by guitarist Damon Marks that supports music education through the donation of musical instruments and educational programs. The Star-Ledger reported in 2010 that the foundation was established to provide instruments to school music programs affected by budget constraints.[1] In 2015, The Central New Jersey Home News reported that the organization had provided musical equipment to approximately 70 schools serving an estimated 30,000 students.[2]
The foundation's activities have included school visits, musical performances, educational clinics and instrument donations. Independent coverage has documented programs at schools in New Jersey,[3][4] as well as activities involving United States military community schools in Germany.[5]
History
The Traveling Guitar Foundation was developed by guitarist and songwriter Damon Marks to support school music programs affected by budget constraints. Early coverage of the organization described its focus as providing instruments and educational support to schools whose music programs faced financial limitations.[6]
In February 2010, the foundation was featured in a segment of the television public-affairs program New Jersey Viewpoint.[7]
The organization was formally incorporated as a New Jersey nonprofit corporation on March 12, 2010. The Internal Revenue Service subsequently recognized the organization as exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3), with an effective exemption date of March 12, 2010.
In August 2010, The Star-Ledger reported on the foundation's efforts to provide musical instruments to school music programs affected by budget constraints. The newspaper described the organization's use of donated and signed guitars to raise funds for instruments and its work providing equipment to schools.[1]
In November 2010, The Teaneck Suburbanite reported on a Traveling Guitar Foundation program at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, New Jersey. The foundation performed for students and donated five guitars to the school. The newspaper described the foundation as supporting music education programs and developing programs for schools with limited resources.[3]
In 2012, the foundation announced a USO initiative involving musicians Oz Fox of Stryper and Sin Quirin, known for his work with Ministry.[8]
In 2013, the foundation participated in activities with United States military communities in Germany, visiting military schools and music programs. The foundation provided musical instruments to Department of Defense schools and conducted activities with students.[5][8]
In 2015, the foundation continued its work with schools in the New York City area through instrument donations, educational clinics and support for school music programs.[9]
In June 2015, NJ Advance Media reported on the foundation's program at Colts Neck High School in New Jersey, where the organization donated guitars and participated in a program intended to encourage student involvement in music education. The program included performances by Marks and singer Rachel Lorin. School administrators told NJ Advance Media that the event was part of an effort to increase participation in the school's music programs.[4]
Reporting by the The Central New Jersey Home News in 2015 stated that the foundation had provided musical equipment to approximately 70 schools serving an estimated 30,000 students.[2]
Programs
The Traveling Guitar Foundation's programs focus on supporting music education through the donation of musical instruments and equipment and through educational music clinics. Schools receiving assistance have been provided with instruments and instructional resources intended for use within their existing music programs.[9]
The foundation has worked with musicians and music-industry companies to obtain equipment and support for participating schools. Professional musicians have also participated in school visits and clinics designed to provide students with exposure to musical performance and instruction.[6][10]
The foundation's programs have included activities outside the continental United States. During its work with United States military communities in Germany, the organization visited military schools, participated in assemblies and music programs, and provided instruments to students and school music departments.[5]
Organization
Damon Marks founded the Traveling Guitar Foundation and has served as its president.
David Bryan, keyboardist and founding member of Bon Jovi, has served on the foundation's board of directors.[6]
Early reporting on the organization also identified radio personality Maria Milito and Vincent Moretti as members of its board of directors.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Walsh, Jeremy (August 15, 2010). "Foundation helps get instruments in classrooms". The Star-Ledger. Newark, New Jersey. pp. 5–6.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Makin, Cheryl (April 19, 2015). "Traveling Guitar Foundation brings music back to schools". The Central New Jersey Home News. New Brunswick, New Jersey. p. A6.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Musician visits BFMS, donates guitars". The Teaneck Suburbanite. Teaneck, New Jersey. November 11, 2010. p. A16.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Spahr, Rob (June 1, 2015). "Colts Neck students get inspiration, instruments from professional musicians". NJ.com. NJ Advance Media. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedRamstein2013 - ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Sierra, Gabrielle (October 13, 2010). "Traveling Guitar Foundation Announces Fall 2010 Schedule Of Events". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
- ↑ "New Jersey Viewpoint". 6abc Philadelphia. ABC. May 9, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "STRYPER, MINISTRY Guitarists Taking Part In 'Traveling Guitar Foundation' USO Tour". Blabbermouth.net. November 3, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Cite error: Invalid
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External links
Category:Music education organizations based in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in New Jersey Category:Arts organizations based in New Jersey Category:Organizations established in 2010 Category:2010 establishments in New Jersey
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