SKJAJA Fund

SKJAJA Fund Funny name. Serious rewards. SKJAJA empowers young people to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Leveling the playing field so that all youth have access to extracurricular and service opportunities that ignite their spark, strengthen their leadership skills, and expand their connections with their community. We do this by removing cost barriers to extracurricular activities so that young people can explore their interests, discover their passions, and ignite their sparks. We also provide opp

ortunities for young people to connect with the world outside themselves through service. By engaging in individual and group service-learning projects, SKJAJA youth and students throughout Chapel Hill-Carrboro harness their world-changing aspirations and build stronger communities.

Just 4 more to go! Thanks to an amazing instrument donation push, we’re now just four instruments short of meeting the n...
09/04/2026

Just 4 more to go!

Thanks to an amazing instrument donation push, we’re now just four instruments short of meeting the needs of every SKJAJA student currently on our list.

Right now, we especially need clarinets and trumpets.

We’ll keep receiving applications throughout the year, so the need won’t stop here — but for this group of students, the goal is simple: four more instruments.

If you have a clarinet or trumpet that no one is using, we’d love to give it a new life with a local kiddo who is ready to learn.

Thank you for helping us make sure cost or circumstance doesn’t keep a local student from participating in music.

You don’t have to get today exactly right. 💛Kids are figuring out new classrooms, new teachers and where they fit. Famil...
08/24/2026

You don’t have to get today exactly right. 💛

Kids are figuring out new classrooms, new teachers and where they fit. Families are trying to get back into a morning routine. Teachers and school staff are working hard to make hundreds of children feel welcomed and cared for, often while managing their own first-day nerves.

Maybe this morning went beautifully. Maybe everyone was rushing, somebody forgot something or patience ran out early. Maybe the day you planned for your students changed completely by 8:30am.

It may take a little time for everyone to settle in and find their rhythm, and in the meantime, we’re thinking of our whole school community today. We’re glad you’re here!

Our 2025–2026 Annual Report is here, and it tells a story about a stretched-thin year, a community that showed up anyway...
08/04/2026

Our 2025–2026 Annual Report is here, and it tells a story about a stretched-thin year, a community that showed up anyway, and 150+ kids who got to play, create, and grow because of it!

This was a hard year but one that made us proud! The number we're most proud of? Because of our partnerships, every $1 given delivered $2+ in real opportunity for a child.

Read the report: https://www.skjajafund.org/annual-report

Help make another impactful year: https://www.skjajafund.org/donate

Weekend challenge! -- Spend just 10 minutes this weekend looking through your closets, garage, or bonus room.You might h...
07/10/2026

Weekend challenge! -- Spend just 10 minutes this weekend looking through your closets, garage, or bonus room.

You might have an old band or orchestra instrument that's no longer being used. And to a local student, it could mean the chance to join band, learn a new skill, build confidence, and experience the joy of making music.

Through SKJAJA Fund's PLAY It Forward program, donated instruments are refurbished and provided to students with financial need who want to participate in their school's instrumental music programs.

Last school year, thanks to generous donors and the continued support of WCPE TheClassicalStation 36 instruments valued at more than $10,000 into the hands of local students. Now we're working to restock for the 2026–27 school year.

We accept donations year-round, but we're making a big push to have instruments in by Friday, July 24 so they can be cleaned, repaired, and ready for the start of the school year.

If you have an instrument to donate, send us a message or fill out the instrument donation form https://www.skjajafund.org/donate to arrange a convenient pickup or drop-off.

We accept flutes, clarinets, oboes, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, French horns, violins, violas, and cellos that are in reasonably good condition.

Don't have an instrument? You can still help. A financial donation helps cover the cost of refurbishing donated instruments so they're ready for their next musician.

https://www.skjajafund.org/donate

Summer is in full swing! ☀️Thanks to the incredible collaborations of our funders, partners, board members, and communit...
06/26/2026

Summer is in full swing! ☀️

Thanks to the incredible collaborations of our funders, partners, board members, and community supporters, SKJAJA was able to connect 50 local children with enriching summer opportunities this year.

From swim lessons and soccer camps to art programs, computer camps, and more, these experiences help children stay active, build confidence, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.

A special thank you to our program partners including ArtzHub NC, Learning Outside Goldfish Swim School - Chapel Hill, Rainbow Soccer, the Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA, and Orange County Sportsplex ust to name a few.

We're also grateful to our referral partners at the Orange County Family Success Alliance, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, , TABLE and so many others who help connect families to these opportunities.

And, of course, thank you to the private donors and board members whose generosity makes this work possible.

Together, we're helping make summer a season of growth, connection, and joy for local kids.

*Pic of the East Chapel Hill High School Jazz Combo for attention*Did you know?This year marks the tenth year of our PLA...
05/19/2026

*Pic of the East Chapel Hill High School Jazz Combo for attention*

Did you know?

This year marks the tenth year of our PLAY It Forward program -- donating refurbished instruments to students who otherwise might not be able to participate in their school's music programs. What a joy it is to see students with the tools they need to participate in band and orchestra!

Thanks to our donors, and to WCPE TheClassicalStation for their continued financial support of PLAY It Forward, we have distributed 36 instruments this school year to Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro students in band and orchestra and now we need to RESTOCK to prepare for next year!

If you have an instrument in playing condition that you would like to donate, please contact us! We need flutes, clarinets, oboes, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, French horns, violins, violas, and cellos that are in reasonably good condition. We are happy to arrange pickup!

Find our Instrument Donation Form on our website: https://www.skjajafund.org/donate

PS... If you don't have an instrument to donate we are always in need of monetary funds to help repair and refurbish the instruments that we do collect. Any contribution will help us make sure students have quality instruments to be a part of these wonderful music programs.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ann Daaleman at [email protected].

This could be your view! Our online silent auction is live this weekend and runs for the next week!It’s such a fun way t...
04/24/2026

This could be your view!

Our online silent auction is live this weekend and runs for the next week!

It’s such a fun way to support local kids while picking up something special for yourself (or someone you love).

We’ve got everything from beach trips, to record collections, yoga and fitness training, local food favorites, and a few things you might not expect. And every dollar helps kids access extracurriculars like music, sports, and summer programs.

A quick note: the platform is not the most intuitive, so here’s the easiest way to jump in:

1) Go to this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/skjajafund-auction/
2) Hit “Register for the Auction" (blue button) to create a quick account
3) Once you’re in, click “Items” (top left) to browse, log in, and start bidding

That’s it. Three easy steps to help kiddos, have fun, and win something cool.

Address

117 W. Main Street
Carrboro, NC
27510

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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