27 community organizations to receive grants through the SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund.
TORONTO – March 10, 2026 / CNW/ – SiriusXM Canada, Canada’s leading audio entertainment company, today announced a contribution of $500,000 through MusiCounts, the country’s leading music education charity, to support community-based music programs for youth across Canada through the SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund.
The funding will provide musical instruments, equipment, and essential resources to 27 non-profit organizations delivering inclusive music programs for young people up to age 25, many of whom face social, economic, cultural, or geographic barriers to participation.
Grants of up to $20,000 are awarded annually to organizations serving equity-deserving and historically underrepresented communities, including Indigenous youth, Black youth, newcomers, and young people facing mental health, financial, or accessibility challenges. By equipping organizations with the tools they need, the fund helps ensure youth can access the social, emotional, and mental health benefits of making music together.
“For many young people, music is more than an artistic outlet – it’s a lifeline,” said Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts. “At a time when youth are experiencing rising rates of anxiety, isolation, and mental health challenges, music programs offer connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging. We’re deeply grateful to SiriusXM Canada for helping us deliver resources to organizations that are using music to support young people’s well-being in meaningful, community-driven ways.”
“Supporting the next generation of artists is an integral part of who we are at SiriusXM Canada,” said Rob Keen, Senior Vice President, Customer Lifecycle, Marketing & Partnerships, SiriusXM Canada. “We’re proud of the role we’ve played in helping young people across the country access music education and creative opportunities through programs like MusiCounts.”
As a long-standing partner, SiriusXM Canada has contributed nearly $2.5 million to music education initiatives nationwide, supporting over 333 community organizations to-date. The SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund builds on this commitment by prioritizing equity, access, and the well-being of young people through music education.
More information about the SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund is available at musicounts.ca
2026 SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund Recipients
Alberta
Candora Society of Edmonton, Edmonton
Sihle-Sizwe Vineyard Foundation, Edmonton
British Columbia
Bella Coola Valley Learning Society, Bella Coola
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, Victoria
Harmony Project Society, Sooke
Vancouver Adapted Music Society, Vancouver
Manitoba
African Super Creative Arts Centre Inc., Winnipeg
New Directions: For Children, Youth, Adults & Families, Winnipeg
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg
Nova Scotia
Boys & Girls Club of Preston, Lake Echo
Funk Island Lab Music Society, East Lawrencetown
Ontario
Canadian Federation of Steel Pan, Old Toronto
Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre, Elliot Lake
Hamilton Music Collective, Hamilton
High Notes Avante Productions Inc., Markham
KUNE Global Music, Old 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
Prince Edward Island
BGC Prince County Summerside (formerly Boys and Girls Club of Summerside Inc.), Summerside
Quebec
Club Sagacite, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles
Saskatchewan
Burundian Community of Regina, Regina
Northern Village of Beauval, Beauval
Yukon
Dawson City Music Festival Association, Dawson City
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Dawson City
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About SiriusXM Canada
Sirius XM Canada Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country’s leading audio entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers ad-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; podcasts; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, as well as on smartphones and all connected devices on the SiriusXM app. For more information, visit siriusxm.ca.
Join SiriusXM Canada on Facebook, on X, on Instagram and on YouTube.
SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides ad-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies 16 years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.
SiriusXM Canada contact:
Jennifer Charlebois
Senior Manager, Communications
416-528-6678
jennifer.charlebois@siriusxm.ca
About MusiCounts
MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts’ vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities. This vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $20,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.
www.musicounts.ca
MusiCounts Media Contacts:
Sarah Burns
Vice President, Communications
MSL Group Canada
sarah.burns@mslgroup.com