The Music Therapy Impact Fund

Apply and learn more about the grant program here.

Many people naturally turn to music—through listening, playing, singing, drumming, or meditating—because they intuitively recognize its ability to nurture well-being. Music therapy deepens this innate connection, using music and rhythm in purposeful, evidence-informed ways to support healing, rehabilitation, emotional expression, and overall quality of life.

Before 2015, Chico had no access to clinical music therapy services, and the broader health care community had limited awareness of the measurable benefits music therapy can offer. To expand access and uplift community wellness, the Music Therapy Impact Fund (MTIF) was established.

The MTIF’s first initiative launched the Music Therapy for Hospice and Palliative Care Program. Over the years, MTIF has collaborated with Enloe Hospice, Feather River Hospice, and Butte Home Health & Hospice. Since its inception in 2015, this program has remained a highly requested and deeply meaningful part of hospice and palliative care services.

Following the Camp Fire in 2018, the MTIF partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Chico to provide Group Empowerment Drumming for children and youth impacted by the disaster, offering a creative and supportive space for connection, resilience, and emotional expression.

In 2019, the North State Therapy Choir was created. With support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, which provided three years of grant funding during its early growth, the choir has continued uninterrupted—even through COVID—and remains a vibrant community resource for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

From the NSTC we developed the Harmonica choir, to increase therapeutic support of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This program is also appropriate for participants living with COPD, respiratory illnesses, or cardiac rehabilitation needs.

With continued support and increased funding, the MTIF is committed to advancing its mission of establishing music therapy as a standard part of healthcare. This includes strengthening existing programs and expanding to meet emerging needs across the community.