Save the Music, the beloved nonprofit that became a household name on cable TV in the late ’90s and 2000s, is stepping into a new chapter—going fully independent. Paramount Global has decided to stop funding the nearly 30-year-old program, which has been a champion for music education in public schools.

This move comes as Paramount faces financial challenges, including layoffs and cost-cutting measures. To keep its mission alive, Save the Music is launching a $10 million endowment fund. The foundation has already secured nearly $4 million, with contributions from major donors like MacKenzie Scott, Amazon, TikTok, and Meta.

Founded in 1997, Save the Music gained fame through VH1’s programming, including star-studded benefit concerts like “VH1 Divas Live” and TV ads featuring icons like Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. However, the foundation has been shifting away from its flashy, TV-focused approach since 2019, when it dropped VH1 from its name and diversified its funding sources.

Now, Save the Music focuses on community-based efforts, working directly with schools to fund music programs and instrument donations. While celebrity appearances still play a role—artists like Ed Sheeran and Charlie Puth have visited schools—the emphasis is on long-term, impactful partnerships.

“The mission hasn’t changed,” says Executive Director Harry Donahue. “We believe every student should have access to music education. But how we achieve that looks very different today.”

As Save the Music embarks on this new journey, it’s clear the foundation remains committed to its core goal: ensuring the power of music continues to inspire and educate students across the country.