Our
Mission
Since achieving a high level of success and widespread critical acclaim as the Gen-Z pioneer of classical and jazz music, Laufey felt it was time to launch the project she’s always felt incredibly strongly about: giving back to the young artist community and ensuring that the next generation of talented musicians have the same opportunities and tools that she had to pursue her dreams.
Throughout her childhood and into adulthood, Laufey received the invaluable mentorship and education required to prepare and encourage her to pursue a career in music. Laufey’s global success can be directly attributed to her experiences playing within esteemed youth orchestra programs and receiving a Presidential Scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music.
“I've become the musician that I needed when I was younger”
The work of The Laufey Foundation echoes the life-changing support Laufey received as a young musician, leading to a discovery and love of classical and jazz music. As a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit, The Laufey Foundation provides this support through bestowing financial grants and world class equipment to youth music programs around the world.
A primary purpose of The Laufey Foundation is to ensure that young musicians of all demographics have the opportunity to attend youth orchestra programs, as youth orchestras serve as a gateway and conduit for serious student musicians to achieve their full potential by giving them the experience they need to be successful in their college and university ensembles.
Fueling passion, funding progress & supporting our artists
Through this diverse and comprehensive fundraising program, the Laufey Foundation is positioning itself to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people worldwide, ensuring that music education remains accessible to all, regardless of background or resources.
-
At the heart of the program is a commitment to making a meaningful impact across different sectors of society and culture. The Laufey Foundation will begin by seeding its efforts with an initial investment of $100,000, providing a strong foundation for its long-term goals.
-
A portion of the proceeds from every Mei Mei The Bunny sold will benefit The Laufey Foundation
-
We’re honored to partner with incredible companies who believe in the mission of The Laufey Foundation and are generously donating to further our goals.
Founding Partners of The Laufey Foundation include AEG Presents, AWAL, and Steinway & Sons.
Additional Benefactors of The Laufey Foundation include Catbird, Gibson Gives, and Warner Chappell.
Organization Selection
Our selection process focuses on programs that align with Laufey’s values, emphasizing excellence, accessibility, and a shared commitment to fostering the growth of young musicians. Youth orchestra programs/organizations are chosen based off of a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:
Criteria One
Global recognition as a highly regarded program for select talented young musicians.
Criteria Two
Youth programs connected to orchestras Laufey has worked with or will work with are prioritized. Through her Night At The Symphony series, Laufey has performed with top orchestras. The Foundation builds upon Laufey’s ongoing commitment to the classical music community.
Criteria Three
Youth Programs that are focused on nurturing talented young ambitious musicians that may not have the means to afford tuition on their own.
Founding Youth Orchestra Programs
For our 2025 launch, The Laufey Foundation is proud to partner with four exceptional youth orchestras that embody our commitment to music education and increasing opportunity for all musicians.
The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) serve over 500 young musicians ages 5–18 from across New England, offering rigorous ensemble training and a strong emphasis on access.
The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra brings together approximately 100 advanced musicians ages 12–18 from Northeast Ohio, performing in world-class venues while fostering excellence and community.
The Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), reaching over 1,500 students ages 6–18 across multiple sites, is a pioneering initiative of the LA Philharmonic that provides free, high-quality music education.
We are proud to support two of Carnegie Hall’s national youth ensembles, NYO2 and NYO Jazz, which bring together the brightest young American instrumentalists from across the US for training and performances with celebrated guest artists on some of the world’s greatest stages.
All these programs combine world-class mentorship, intensive training, and transformative performance experiences that open doors for the next generation of artists.
Each of these organizations represents the transformative power of youth music — and we are honored to support their missions as our founding partners. Additionally, as The Laufey Foundation continues to grow, we will include more programs and broaden the geographic reach of our partner youth orchestras to foster a truly global impact.
