The Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has announced its first slate of 2026 grantees, including UK-based Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and Generator.
Since its launch in 2020, the $100 million fund has committed more than $52m to organisations that focus on criminal justice reform, education, and arts and culture to help advance equity.
The latest round includes 17 groups and an investment of almost $6m, with first-time grantees including North East-based music development organisation Generator.
Generator and Warner Music confirmed a new three-year partnership back in February that will expand long-term opportunities for artists, producers, executives and emerging talent across the North of England.
We are honoured to help talented people from all backgrounds turn potential into achievement
Len Blavatnik
BLiM, which uses data and insights to combat racism, campaign for equity and empower Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians to realise their aspirations in the UK music industry, is also among the music-focused grantees.
Led by CEO Charisse Beaumont, the organisation was previously unveiled as one of the fund’s spring 2023 grantee partners.
In April, BLiM and Warner Classics expanded their partnership aimed at nurturing the next generation of classical talent and removing barriers for Black and under-represented musicians and composers.
“We are honoured to help talented people from all backgrounds turn potential into achievement,” said Len Blavatnik.
Music has the power to help drive real societal change
Robert Kyncl, Warner Music Group
Other music beneficiries include Atlanta Music Project, Brooklyn Youth Sports Club, Classical Pride, Girls Make Beats, The Hip Hop Museum and Jazz Power Initiative.
"Music has the power to help drive real societal change," said Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl. "We’re proud to support these organisations as they work to connect, heal, transform and create important opportunities."
Yrthya Dinzey-Flores, SVP of people, engagement and culture at WMG and the fund's president, said: “We are continuously evolving and sharpening our grantmaking strategy, so we can best help these phenomenal organisations work to create a lasting, measurable impact in our communities.”
The Blavatnik Family Foundation is exclusively self-funded by WMG owner Blavatnik, the founder and chairman of Access Industries.
