How To Get Involved
The West Virginia Young Musicians Fund is now an approved nonprofit on Benevity, a leading platform that helps businesses support corporate social responsibility initiatives. If your company uses Benevity, you may be able to donate directly to Chirp through payroll deduction, making it easier than ever to support our mission of providing instruments to young musicians in need. Some of the top companies using Benevity include Google, Apple, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Nike. Check with your employer to see if they participate in Benevity and help us bring the joy of music to more students.
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Donate Instruments
If you would like to donate an instrument to the CHIRP program, just stop by Bandland in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and a sales associate will be able to assist you with the donation process. If you are unable to stop there, message us on Facebook or contact Mike at wvymfund@gmail.com , and he will arrange to get the instrument from you at your convenience. Our efforts are ongoing to expand donation sites around the state of West Virginia.
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Monetary Donations
Monetary donations are an important part of keeping the program alive. We occasionally need to purchase parts, cases or even used instruments to supplement the program. You can donate online or make checks payable to CHIRP or West Virginia Young Musicians Fund, and mail to: Dr. Michael Hess, Attn: CHIRP, PO Box 1345 Bridgeport, WV 26330
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Events
CHIRP holds fundraising events to raise money to help repair instruments, which on average costs $75 per repair. The money is also used to cover delivery costs. Stay up to date with the latest events!
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Scholarships
Behind every great musician is someone who believed in them. The WVYMF Scholarship Program provides financial support to students who demonstrate passion, dedication, and promise—but lack the resources to grow their talent.
Our scholarships fund lessons, music camps, ensemble fees, and more. Nominations are open to educators, mentors, and community members who see what we see: raw potential, waiting to be nurtured.
Chirp in Action
100+ instruments donated and distributed
Dozens of scholarships awarded for lessons, camps, and college prep
Countless stories of lives changed through the gift of music
Together, we're building a more musical, more connected West Virginia, one student at a time.
About US
Changing Lives One Note at a Time
WVYMF began with a simple belief: music has the power to change lives. Founded by the family of Dr. Robert D. Hess, our mission grew from the CHIRP program—placing unused instruments into the hands of students who need them most.
What started in Harrison County now echoes across West Virginia. Through instrument donations and need-based scholarships, we’re breaking down barriers and building up confidence, creativity, and connection. Because when a young person is given the chance to make music, something extraordinary happens.