Warner Music Fund Announces 2026 Grantees and Industry Promotions

The Warner Music Group, in partnership with the Blavatnik Family Foundation, has unveiled its first set of grantees for 2026, allocating nearly $6 million to 17 organizations. Launched in 2020, the Social Justice Fund, which boasts a total commitment of $100 million, aims to bolster initiatives focused on criminal justice reform, education, and the arts, having already invested over $52 million.

This latest announcement includes six new grantees dedicated to leveraging music as a catalyst for social change. Among them, the Atlanta Music Project offers free music training to underprivileged students, while Brooklyn Youth Sports Club’s VOICES program empowers Black and Latino youth through songwriting and sound engineering. Classical Pride celebrates LGBTQAI+ composers through a dedicated music festival, and Generator supports artists in the North of England in their pursuit of sustainable careers.

Additionally, the fund is committed to enhancing educational resources within the criminal justice system. Over the next five years, it will assist in establishing 75 prison libraries via Freedom Reads, and will support voter education initiatives through the Global Black Economic Forum, which advocates for the economic rights of marginalized communities.

In other industry news, Spotify has elevated Joe Hadley to Vice President of Global Music Content and Partnerships. Hadley will now oversee both the Music Editorial and Partnerships teams. Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Music, praised Hadley’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of artist advocacy in their programming.

Concord Music Publishing has signed a global deal with electronic music artist Floating Points, also known as Sam Shepherd. This partnership will encompass future works, including his upcoming album “Mere Mortals,” set for release on August 28. The album, which reinterprets the myth of Pandora, will debut at the Edinburgh International Festival before moving to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.

Independent label Vitalize Records has reached an agreement with “Vanderpump Rules” star Natalie Maguire for a four-single EP, with production led by Harv, known for his collaborations with Justin Bieber. Maguire, who previously made her mark as an actress, is transitioning into music following her debut single earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Lighthouse Management + Media has signed actress and singer Liamani Segura, recognized for her role in Disney’s “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland.” Segura, who also starred in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” has already released her debut EP.

WME has appointed Sara Williams as Head of Music Marketing, where she will lead a team of 20 from Nashville, building on her previous successes within the agency. Levi Jackson, who previously managed the division, will transition to the Brand Strategy team as VP of Music.

Lastly, Joe Simon has been named Chief Technology & Information Officer at PRG, a company specializing in live event technology. His appointment is part of a broader strategy to enhance the company’s future operations.

Meghan Trainor has signed with United Talent Agency for global representation across various ventures, marking a new chapter following her acting debut and recent album release.

Source: variety.com