Harmonizing Our Future: The 2026 Vision for BTNF

For over a decade, Beyond The Natural Foundation (BTNF) has operated with a single, powerful belief: every child deserves access to music education, regardless of their background or location. Since our founding on October 24, 2013, we have transformed thousands of lives across Baltimore and Nashville, serving more than 4,000 children by bringing state-of-the-art music technology and professional instruction directly to the communities that need it most.

Today, we face a critical challenge. School budget cuts often disproportionately target arts programs in favor of core subjects like math and reading, driven by standardized testing pressures and federal mandates, leading to reduced access, especially in low-income areas, despite evidence showing arts' benefits for creativity, critical thinking, and overall success. To bridge this gap, BTNF is launching a $100,000 Fundraising Campaign over the next six months to support our general operations and reach two transformative goals for 2026.

Goal 1: Launching our First Performance Groups

We are ready to amplify the voices of our youth. In 2026, we will launch our first official performance groups, the Beyond The Natural Children & Youth Choir (Nashville) AND the Beyond The Natural African Drumming Ensemble (Baltimore). These groups are not just about musical excellence; they are vehicles for:

• Youth Development and Confidence: By providing a "world-class performance group" platform, we empower youth to take ownership of their talents and step into leadership roles.
• Cultural Expression and Healing: Grounded in our mission of expressive therapy, the choir will help students process the challenges they face beyond school walls—such as community violence and social isolation—replacing them with compassion and presence.
• Community Joy: The choir will perform throughout the community, from senior centers to the "brightest of lights," sharing musical joy and shifting the narrative of how our youth are perceived.

Goal 2: A Full Year of Free Workshops & Clinics

We believe that mentorship is the spark that ignites a "creative fire". Our Workshops & Clinics have historically provided high-dosage exposure to the music industry, but our goal for 2026 is to host a free workshop/clinic every quarter completely free for all participants. These clinics provide an educational platform where professional musicians, performing artists, and industry pros interface with and inspire the next generation of creatives by sharing the tips, techniques, and experiences that continue to shape their music industry career paths.

Why Your Support Matters

A $100,000 investment in our general operations is the fuel that makes these goals possible. Unrestricted support ensures we can:

• Retain Expert Staff: Support our team of 8 professional music instructors 
• Maintain Accessibility: Continue offering low-to-no cost programming 

The Impact of Your Gift

Our track record gives us confidence that your contribution doesn't just fund a program; it builds a "hub of innovation" that aims to serve 400 youth in 2026.