Phish Fans' Foundation Grants $5K to Montville Group

Pathways for Exceptional Children is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from a foundation formed by a coalition of Phish fans, the Mockingbird Foundation announced.

The grant money will be used to fund various expenses for Pathways' music programs, which are set to expand this year as the group is planning to open a new creative space in Montville.

The Mockingbird Foundation is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers inspired by music of the rock band Phish. Phish's following has spanned three decades, the band's concerts continuing as one of the largest live acts in the country.

The Foundation was formed in 1996 and has distributed more than $700,000 in grant funds to organizations throughout the country to support music education for children.

"We continue to be amazed by the vast need for music education funding, and impressed by the dedication of people such as you who work diligently to help fill those needs," Ellis Godard, executive director of the Mockingbird Foundation, said. "We were particularly impressed with the request submitted by Melinda Jennis at Pathways for Exceptional Children."

Ten grants totaling $46,200, including the grant for Pathways, were announced last month as part of the Foundation's 16th round of grant funding. Other grants included for musical instruments and equipment at music schools.