Stryper frontman Michael Sweet and his wife Lisa have introduced the Faith In Music Foundation, a new nonprofit organization focused on “empowering musicians and fostering the next generation of music industry professionals.”
Michael understands the challenges of the music world better than most. Having co-founded Stryper in the early 1980s, he’s seen the full spectrum — from the thrill of performing for thousands to the exhaustion and uncertainty that come with a life on the road. Decades later, the band continues to record and tour, a testament to both faith and perseverance. Those experiences have deeply influenced his vision for Faith In Music Foundation, which aims to provide meaningful support for musicians who are doing everything right but still struggling to stay afloat.
Lisa plays an equally vital role in shaping the foundation. With years of experience in nonprofit management and business operations, she oversees fundraising, event coordination, and day-to-day logistics. Her steady leadership has long helped Stryper navigate the ever-evolving music industry, and now she’s applying that same skill set to help others.
The inspiration for the foundation dates back to 2013, when Michael and Lisa both began to feel a deeper calling — one that extended beyond their personal success. They sensed that God was urging them to make a difference in the lives of other artists who were struggling to survive and grow in a constantly changing industry. Those early talks, often taking place during downtime between tours or over quiet cups of coffee, eventually evolved into the idea for Faith In Music Foundation. Their goal was simple but powerful: to give artists the tools and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
Together, Michael and Lisa combine creativity with strategy — a partnership that has kept Stryper moving forward while also inspiring their new mission to give back. They see Faith In Music Foundation not just as a charity, but as a continuation of their shared journey, one focused on helping artists create music that inspires and endures.
Michael explains their motivation in his own words: “If you’ve known me and Lisa for any amount of time, you know music has never just been a career for us. It’s been a calling. It’s taken us places we never imagined, introduced us to people who changed our lives, and taught us lessons we couldn’t have learned anywhere else. But we’ve also seen the other side: the struggle, the financial hardship, the loneliness, and the doors that stay closed no matter how much talent you have.
“Years ago, I watched a gifted young band play their hearts out to a room of ten people, not because they lacked passion, but because they didn’t have the support. They slept in a van that night to save on hotel costs. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me how many musicians are doing everything right but still feel like they’re fighting a losing battle.
“That’s why we started Faith In Music Foundation. To give back and to lift up artists who feel like they’re doing this alone. We’ve walked this road, we’ve felt the strain, and we believe no one with a calling to create music should be stopped by financial barriers.
“Through Faith In Music, we’re offering two types of artist grants:
- Touring Support Grants — to help with travel, lodging, and logistics.
- Recording Support Grants — to assist with studio time, producers, and mixing/mastering
“Whether you’re gearing up for your first tour or finishing an album that’s been on hold, we want to help you bring it to life.
“Applications are officially open today and close on November 15. Apply now here.
“Please follow @faithinmusicfoundation and help us spread the word. The more we receive, the more we can give to support struggling musicians.
“Music has the power to heal, to connect, to change lives. It changed ours, and now we get to help others carry that same light forward.”
At its heart, Faith In Music Foundation is about giving artists a chance to be heard. Michael and Lisa’s mission is to remove the financial barriers that often keep talented individuals from pursuing their dreams. Whether someone is recording their first project, preparing for a tour, or seeking mentorship from established professionals, the foundation offers a lifeline of support.
Their goal is to create a welcoming, faith-based community that connects musicians, uplifts creative spirits, and helps industry workers expand their careers. Through compassion, faith, and a shared love of music, Michael and Lisa Sweet hope to build a movement where every artist has the chance to thrive — and where music continues to inspire, uplift, and unite.
