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The Electrical Audio Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit in Chicago, Illinois. It carries forward the legacy and ethos of Steve Albini by supporting and maintaining Electrical Audio — the recording studio he built in 1997 — and by preserving the spirit in which he ran it: welcoming all comers with equity, fairness, and respect.

The two are separate but bound together: your generosity supports the Foundation, and the Foundation sustains the studio. The Foundation works in partnership with Electrical Audio at 2621 West Belmont Avenue in Chicago. Commercial session bookings go directly to the studio, not through the Foundation.

Yes. The Electrical Audio Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN and Form 990 documents are available on request — email info@electricalaudio.org.

All of it. 100% of your gift goes to the Foundation — donations are processed through GiveButter, which takes no platform fee, with secure encrypted payment processing by Stripe. Gifts can be one-time or recurring.

Six areas: the working studio at Electrical Audio; a teaching studio running recording seminars and in-depth demonstration sessions, including no-cost intern-led sessions for qualified clients; internships for degree students and other qualified individuals; top-tier instruments, amplifiers, microphones, and cables available with studio bookings; community partnerships with local venues, nonprofits, schools, and community groups; and scheduled educational tours of the studio.

Yes — book it like any other studio. Electrical Audio Recording is a working commercial studio with exquisite rooms, world-class gear, and a deeply talented, down-to-earth staff. Bookings go directly to the studio rather than through the Foundation. Recording is offered through a combination of paid sessions and charitable waivers for independent musicians.

Yes. You can sponsor a specific program, include the Foundation in your estate planning through a legacy or planned gift, or double your gift through employer matching — many employers match charitable donations dollar-for-dollar. Schools, nonprofits, community groups, and local businesses can also partner with the Foundation to extend the reach of its programs.