Summer giving increased 43 percent as donors supported student needs, studio supplies, and the start of a new academic year.
Summer is often one of the quieter seasons for nonprofit fundraising, but this year, Key to Change experienced something very different. Giving during the summer increased 43 percent over the previous year, marking the organization’s strongest summer fundraising season to date and providing significant momentum as Key to Change begins a new academic year and approaches its tenth anniversary.
The growth was fueled in large part by donors responding directly to the needs of Key to Change students. Throughout August, the organization highlighted a different need each week, giving supporters an opportunity to see how their contributions could make an immediate difference for students and families. Donors responded in record numbers.
Other longtime supporters helped fund welcome packets for incoming students, ensuring that students began the academic year with the materials and resources they needed to be successful. Contributions through Key to Change’s Amazon Wish List also brought a steady stream of supplies to the studio throughout the summer, far surpassing the number of donated items received in previous years.
The summer also brought new support to Key to Change. PCS Structural Solutions made its first gift to the organization, welcoming a new corporate partner into a growing community of individuals, foundations, businesses, and organizations investing in Key to Change students.
Together, the financial and in kind contributions helped Key to Change prepare for students returning to the studio this fall while supporting the broader experiences that distinguish its programs. Throughout the academic year, students receive high quality music instruction while also participating in masterclasses, performances, visiting artist experiences, and other opportunities designed to support their artistic and personal development.
The record summer arrives at an important moment for Key to Change. As the organization begins another academic year and looks toward its tenth anniversary, continued support from the community is helping ensure that students throughout South King County have access to excellent music education and opportunities to develop as musicians and young leaders.
Key to Change is grateful to every donor who contributed, purchased an item, supported a student, or responded to one of the organization’s summer campaigns. Collectively, those acts of generosity made this record setting summer possible and helped prepare the way for another year of learning, artistry, and opportunity for Key to Change students.


