Over the past six months, nonprofit arts organizations across the country have faced mounting challenges. For those of us in Oakland, the impact has been especially severe due to a combination of federal cuts to arts funding and municipal budget shortfalls.

Oaktown Jazz Workshops has long relied on support from the City of Oakland’s Cultural Funding Program, which we’ve proudly secured through a competitive application process. But last fall, the city cut funding to its Cultural Affairs Division—resulting in our receiving just 43% of the second-year grant amount we were originally awarded.

In January, we were excited to be recommended for a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Grant. But just one week later, following the inauguration of a new presidential administration, that funding was suddenly put at risk. After months of uncertainty, we were informed by the NEA that our project “does not align with the Administration’s priorities”—and funding would be reallocated.

Grant applications take time, research, and careful planning. It is deeply discouraging to be selected for funding only to have it revoked or significantly reduced.

These are not isolated incidents. In February, we applied for a grant from California Humanities—only to learn weeks later that the program’s funding had been illegally terminated by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), suspending all active grants.

Despite these setbacks, Oaktown Jazz Workshops remains steadfast in our mission.

We are more than just a music program—we are a community. We are a safe and welcoming space where youth find mentorship, belonging, and purpose. We help shape the next generation of musicians, educators, and cultural leaders.

Thanks to supporters like you, thousands of young people have developed their musical abilities and self-confidence through our programs.

Today, we ask for your help.

Your donation—at any level—will directly support our ability to continue this important work and keep jazz education thriving in Oakland.

Thank you for believing in the power of music, mentorship, and community.

Oaktown Jazz Workshops is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID: 94-3265018. Your gift is tax-deductible.