The Full Story
Community Impact
The Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Experience is more than a celebration of culture and sound—it is a commitment to lasting community investment. A portion of festival proceeds is dedicated to supporting two mission-driven nonprofit partners, the Williams-Franklin Foundation and the Rise and Shine Center for Media Arts & Technology. Through this initiative, the event helps expand access to education, youth development, and creative career pathways. Explore the organizations below to learn how their work is creating real opportunities and how your participation in the festival helps move that impact forward.
Mission
The Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF) is built on the simple belief: Talent should never be limited by finances. Founded by Dwight and LaShelle Franklin, WFF invests in high-achieving HBCU students with extreme financial needs by providing scholarships, mentoring, and access to meaningful networking opportunities that open doors long after graduation.
WFF's results speak for themselves. To date, WFF has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to nearly 170 students across more than 20 HBCUs, with a 100% graduation rate. Every gift helps a student stay on track, finish strong, and step into a future with real options. If you care about expanding opportunity and helping the next generation of leaders thrive, we invite you to learn more about WFF and consider donating.
Mission
The Rise and Shine Center for Media Arts & Technology is dedicated to equipping underprivileged youth with access to modern media arts and technology resources that are often out of reach. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to industry-relevant tools, the Center empowers students to develop practical creative and technical skills that translate directly into real-world opportunities. Its mission is to prepare young people to compete confidently in today’s fast-evolving job market while also fostering the entrepreneurial mindset needed to create their own pathways for success in the digital economy.
