Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole foundations unite to support music education

The Natalie Cole Foundation and the Nat King Cole Foundation have joined forces to fund scholarships and arts programs, including support for Harlem School of the Arts, Berklee College of Music, Grammy Camp and a community center in Costa Rica. The Natalie Cole Foundation has donated more than $1 million over the past two years to scholarships and community projects.

Natalie Cole Foundation and the Nat King Cole Foundation have formed a partnership to support scholarships and charitable programs centered on music and the arts. The collaboration directs funds to schools, camps and international community projects. Natalie Cole arranged for her estate to be transitioned into a nonprofit after her death, and the foundation’s CEO, Howard Grossman, says estate earnings now fund the foundation’s work. The partnership builds on long-running family efforts to preserve Nat King Cole’s and Natalie Cole’s musical legacy through education and community support. Key facts: - The Natalie Cole Foundation was created from Natalie Cole’s estate and channels royalties and other earnings to charity. - The two foundations are jointly funding scholarships and arts programs for organizations such as Harlem School of the Arts, Berklee College of Music, Grammy Camp and the Vienna Philharmonic Academy. - Last November, the foundations’ inaugural joint Berklee voice scholarship of $75,000 was awarded to sophomore Paris Pineyro. - Donations and grants include a community center in Cahuita, Costa Rica, support for City of Hope and Children’s Hospital of L.A., and contributions to the David Foster Foundation. - The Natalie Cole Foundation has funded projects such as the Bhatia Family Village assisted living facility for autistic adults and Tommy’s Field soccer fields in Los Angeles. Summary: The joint work aims to broaden outreach for music education and to translate the Cole family’s heritage into lasting opportunities for students and communities. The collaboration has already funded scholarships and community programs and may expand joint efforts. Undetermined at this time.