Established in rhythm and bonded through service, the Veterans Music Coalition seeks to channel the energy of local artists to celebrate, support and stand beside those who have served.

The fund, created in partnership with the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, will provide grant support for music lessons, workshops, songwriting classes and recording services designed specifically for local veterans.

The fund aims to foster personal expression and connection through music, while helping veterans explore creativity as a path to healing. Programming will be developed and guided by the Veterans Music Coalition, a group of veterans committed to uplifting those who have served.

Through the Tri-County Arts Council, grants will be used to administer and sustain the program, which may include the purchase of music equipment, stipends for instructors and access to recording services.

“This fund is about more than just music – it’s about restoring voice, purpose and connection,” said Kirk Windus, CRCF Executive Director. “We’re proud to help make this vision a reality for the veterans in our community.”

The fund will offer veterans an opportunity to learn new skills, connect with others and share their stories. At the same time, it will serve to bridge the gap between the artistic energy of the region’s creative community and the lived experiences of those who have served – creating a culture of empathy, expression and appreciation.

Dan Cummings, a former specialist in the United States Army and fund advisor to the Veterans Music Coalition Fund, is a musician from Olean, New York who sees the group as a pathway to healing and connection for many local veterans:

“For us, music is not only a form of communication, but also a means of expression, healing, realizing purpose and reconnecting with our fellow veterans,” said Cummings. “As soon as the idea of starting a fund to help other veterans was discussed, we ran with the idea and, with the help of CRCF, we hope to make a difference in our community and the lives of as many veterans as we can reach.”

With music as a unifying force, the Veterans Music Coalition Fund stands as a tribute to the resilience of veterans and the strength of community working together.

Donations can be made to the Veterans Music Coalition Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org.

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).