We Are Family Foundation

We Are Family Foundation
Name	We Are Family Foundation
Type	Nonprofit organization
Founded	2001
Founder	Nile Rodgers
Location	New York City, New York, United States
Key people	Nile Rodgers, Debbie Gibson, Dionne Warwick
Focus	Youth empowerment, cultural diplomacy, social justice

We Are Family Foundation is an international nonprofit cultural organization founded in 2001 to promote tolerance, diversity, and youth leadership through music and multimedia initiatives. The foundation engages artists, educators, and policymakers to address social challenges via creative programming, public events, and digital content. Its activities intersect with civil society networks, philanthropic institutions, and media platforms to amplify messages of inclusion and civic participation.

History

The foundation was established in 2001 by producer and songwriter Nile Rodgers following his work with artists associated with Chic (band), David Bowie, Madonna (entertainer), Diana Ross, and Sister Sledge. Early activities linked the organization to high-profile cultural moments such as collaborations with United Nations observances, benefits involving performers from Motown Records alumni, and concerts aligned with anniversaries of events like September 11 attacks memorials. Over the 2000s and 2010s the group expanded partnerships to include arts institutions such as the Kennedy Center and youth-focused nonprofits including Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity International. The foundation's trajectory intersected with media outlets like MTV and VH1 and music industry bodies such as the Recording Academy, leveraging relationships with artists including Sting (musician), Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Stevie Wonder.

Mission and Programs

The foundation's stated mission emphasizes tolerance, diversity, and youth empowerment, delivered through programs that combine music, film, and civic engagement. Signature initiatives have included touring educational campaigns in partnership with organizations like UNICEF, digital storytelling series featuring contributors from Rolling Stone culture, and youth leadership summits modeled after convenings such as the Clinton Global Initiative. Programmatic efforts have engaged teachers and students connected to networks like Teach For America and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, using curriculum inspired by works from Sesame Workshop collaborators and archives from institutions like the Library of Congress. Outreach has involved collaborations with artists from labels including Atlantic Records, Island Records, and Sony Music Entertainment to produce benefit singles and compilation albums.

Leadership and Governance

Founding leadership has been led by Nile Rodgers, a figure with professional ties to entities such as Columbia Records, Warner Bros. Records, and producers who worked on projects with Michael Jackson, Madonna (entertainer), and David Bowie. Board composition has historically included industry executives, philanthropists, and cultural figures who maintain affiliations with organizations like the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Guggenheim Foundation, and major academic institutions such as Columbia University and New York University. Governance practices reflect nonprofit standards observed by watchdogs including Charity Navigator and reporting norms relevant to filings with the Internal Revenue Service in the United States.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The foundation has forged collaborative relationships across the nonprofit, corporate, and cultural sectors. Notable collaborators include international agencies such as UNESCO, philanthropic entities like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and corporate partners such as Google, Apple Inc., and YouTube (service). The organization has worked with record labels and artist management firms connected to Live Nation Entertainment, AEG Presents, and producers from The Rolling Stones touring networks. Event partnerships have included cultural venues like Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and festivals such as Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and SXSW. Educational collaborations have engaged museum partners like the Museum of Modern Art and Smithsonian Institution.

Funding and Financials

Funding has been sourced from a mix of philanthropic grants, corporate sponsorships, benefit concerts, licensing of music projects, and individual donations from patrons who have ties to Rockefeller Foundation donors, entertainment executives at Sony Music Entertainment, and celebrity supporters including artists affiliated with Atlantic Records and Universal Music Group. Financial stewardship follows practices common to U.S. nonprofits in annual reporting and grant compliance, with revenue streams comparable to arts nonprofits that stage touring shows, educational workshops, and media production partnerships.

Impact and Recognition

The foundation's cultural campaigns and benefit concerts have drawn recognition from press outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Billboard (magazine), and Variety (magazine), and have earned endorsements from public figures associated with initiatives like The White House cultural programs and international diplomacy events hosted by United Nations General Assembly delegations. Program alumni have progressed to leadership roles in civic organizations similar to AmeriCorps alumni networks and have been featured in media from NPR to BBC News. Awards and honors received by the organization's leaders include industry acknowledgments tied to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and philanthropic commendations from arts councils and foundations.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States