SiriusXM Canada and MusiCounts Announce $500,000 for Youth Music Programs

SiriusXM MusiCounts Community Fund supports youth music programs across Canada

TORONTO — SiriusXM Canada has announced a $500,000 contribution to support youth music education programs across the country through the SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund.

The funding, delivered in partnership with MusiCounts — Canada’s leading music education charity — will provide instruments, equipment and resources to 27 non-profit organizations offering community-based music programs for young people up to age 25.

The initiative aims to expand access to music education for youth who face barriers related to social, economic, cultural or geographic circumstances.

Supporting Youth Through Music

Grants of up to $20,000 per organization will help fund programs that serve equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous youth, Black youth, newcomers and young people experiencing financial hardship or mental health challenges.

Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts, said music programs can play a critical role in supporting young people’s emotional well-being and sense of belonging.

“For many young people, music is more than an artistic outlet — it’s a lifeline,” Fletcher said in a statement. “Music programs offer connection, confidence and a sense of belonging, particularly at a time when many youth are facing rising levels of anxiety and isolation.”

Expanding Access to Creative Opportunities

The SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund focuses on helping organizations obtain the tools needed to deliver accessible music programming, including instruments, sound equipment and program resources.

Rob Keen, Senior Vice President of Customer Lifecycle, Marketing and Partnerships at SiriusXM Canada, said the program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent.

“Supporting the next generation of artists is an integral part of who we are at SiriusXM Canada,” Keen said. “We’re proud of the role we’ve played in helping young people across the country access music education and creative opportunities.”

Ontario Organizations Among Recipients

Several organizations in Ontario will receive funding through the 2026 program, including:

• Canadian Federation of Steel Pan (Toronto)

• Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre (Elliot Lake)

• Hamilton Music Collective (Hamilton)

• High Notes Avante Productions Inc. (Markham)

• KUNE Global Music (Toronto)

• Lotus Centre for Special Music Education (Kanata)

• Next Generation Arts (Scarborough)

• Pan with Picou (York)

• SONG: Sounds of the Next Generation (Cobourg)

• Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation (Pelham)

Other recipients are located in provinces and territories including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon.

Long-Term Support for Music Education

SiriusXM Canada has been a long-time partner of MusiCounts, contributing nearly $2.5 million to music education initiatives nationwide and supporting more than 333 community organizations to date.

Founded in 1997 and associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the JUNO Awards, MusiCounts has awarded over $20 million in grants supporting music education programs across Canada.

The SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund continues that effort by helping community organizations provide young people with access to music programs that foster creativity, confidence and connection.

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