Celebrating music through the GRAMMY Awards for more than 50 years, The Recording Academy continues its rich legacy and ongoing growth as the premier outlet for honoring achievements in the recording arts and supporting the music community.

The GRAMMYs are the only peer-presented award to honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position.

The Academy's mission statement is simple, but represents the heart and soul of the organization's efforts: "to positively impact the lives of musicians, industry members and our society at large".

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with The Recording Academy to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage.

The Academy has 12 regional chapters throughout the country. Members who join the Academy are placed in the chapter closest to their residence. Chapter offices represent the Academy on a local level by working within that region's music and recording communities and addressing its needs through education, advocacy, professional development and events. In addition, the Chapter serves as a conduit for other members to meet, network and address the concerns of the recording industry both nationally and locally.

Chapters are governed by a Board of Governors and have elected Trustees who are responsible for the financial health of the Chapter. Members are encouraged to be involved in Chapter government, serve on committees and take a leadership role in the developing of Academy initiatives.