What Free To Dream does

Free To Dream is a 501(c)(3)-equivalent nonprofit social impact organization founded by Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning artist Common (Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr.). Originally launched as the Common Ground Foundation's Dreamers & Believers mentorship program in 2012, the organization now operates a portfolio of programs targeting opportunity youth (ages 12-24) and systems-impacted individuals. Core offerings include the Art In Motion (AIM) tuition-free charter school for the arts on Chicago's South Side, serving over 700 students in grades 7-12; the Rebirth of Sound music rehabilitation program that installs professional-grade recording studios inside prisons and juvenile facilities (Stateville Correctional Center 2021, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall March 2025, Valley State Prison July 2025) and delivers Avid Pro Tools certifications; the Dreamers & Believers four-year mentorship program; signature Dream Summit event activations; the Dreamkeeper Resource Kit anchored in "The Five Practices for Transformative Dreaming" framework; and the Dreamkeeper Collective, a growing national partner network.

The underlying technology is intentionally light: a Wix-hosted marketing site (iamfreetodream.org), a Substack newsletter, a separate Dreamkeeper Resource Kit site (dreamkeeperresourcekit.org), Google Analytics for visitor tracking, and active social channels (Instagram, X). There are no AI/ML capabilities, APIs, or proprietary software products in evidence. The revenue model is nonprofit — grants and individual donations fund operations, with programs delivered free of charge. Confirmed grant funding totals $1,000,000 across two $500,000 awards from American Student Assistance (April 2024 and December 2025); a separately reported $45M "transformative investment" is associated with Art In Motion's 105,000 sq. ft. campus build-out rather than annual operating revenue. Distribution combines direct service delivery in schools (AIM), communities (Dreamers & Believers), and correctional facilities (Rebirth of Sound) with NBA-arena Dream Summits (Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors/Valkyries) and a national collective network. Notable strategic partners include NBA Foundation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Distinctive Schools Network, New Life Development, and Britebound.

Name

Free To Dream

Legal name

FREE TO DREAM, LLC

Website

https://iamfreetodream.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Nonprofit founded by artist Common that delivers creative arts programs, mentorship, and digital resources to opportunity youth and systems-impacted individuals across the U.S., with operations in schools, prisons, and via a national collective network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Services / Nonprofit Arts Education and Rehabilitation

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Services (611)

akta.pro primary industry

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

Keywords

• Youth mentorship programs
• Arts education services
• Music rehabilitation programs
• Charter school arts education
• Nonprofit youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: Primary revenue from foundation grants supporting youth career exploration and skill-building programs. American Student Assistance has provided $500,000 grants in 2024 and 2025.
2. Individual Donations: Charitable donations from individuals supporting the organization's mission to uplift dreams of opportunity youth and systems-impacted people.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Free To Dream is a nonprofit organization that delivers free creative-arts and self-expression programs to opportunity youth (ages 12-24) and systems-impacted individuals. Its core offerings include a tuition-free charter school for the arts (Art In Motion), a multi-year youth mentorship program (Dreamers & Believers), a signature prison-based music rehabilitation program (Rebirth of Sound), signature Dream Summit activation events, and a freely distributed Dreamkeeper Resource Kit digital framework for educators and caregivers.

Product overview

FREE TO DREAM is a nonprofit social impact organization founded by artist Common that offers a portfolio of programs, pathways, and digital resources in creative arts and self-expression for opportunity youth and systems-impacted people. The portfolio includes Art In Motion (a tuition-free charter school for the arts serving 700+ students), Dreamers & Believers (a four-year mentorship program), Rebirth of Sound (a signature music rehabilitation program in prisons and juvenile facilities), DREAM SUMMITS (signature activation events), FREE TO DREAM Studios (original content production), the Dreamkeeper Resource Kit (an educator/caregiver resource with the Five Practices framework), the I AM FREE TO DREAM Campaign (national multi-year campaign with ASA), and the DREAMKEEPER Collective (national network). The organization leverages these interconnected programs and digital resources to shift culture toward a more just and joyful future.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dreamers & Believers: A mentorship program empowering Chicago youth to become future leaders, launched in 2012, featuring monthly sessions focused on eight pillars including leadership, technology, and creative expression.
• Art In Motion
• Rebirth of Sound
• Dream Summits
• FREE TO DREAM Studios
• DREAMKEEPER Resource Kit
• i am FREE TO DREAM Campaign

Products and services

• Dreamkeeper Resource Kit A free resource kit anchored by 'The Five Practices for Transformative Dreaming' framework, designed for educators, activists, and caregivers. It provides structured pathways to help young people connect with their fullest potential and imagine futures that can transform individuals and communities. Co-developed with Britebound.
• Art In Motion (AIM) Charter School A tuition-free charter school for the arts on Chicago's South Side, co-founded by Common and New Life Development in 2019. It serves over 700 students in grades 7-12 with art, music, and podcast studios, and is the site of a $45M transformative investment converting 105,000 sq. ft. into a world-class learning and cultural center.
• Dreamers & Believers Mentorship Program A four-year mentorship program empowering Chicago youth to become future leaders. Students receive guidance from dedicated mentors through monthly sessions focused on eight pillars including leadership, technology, and creative expression, along with community service, summer camp, and cultural field trips.
• Rebirth of Sound Free To Dream's signature music rehabilitation program operating inside prisons and juvenile detention facilities. Provides accredited education with music production training, features the Hope & Redemption Tour with live performances, and offers industry-recognized certifications in Avid Pro Tools.
• DREAM SUMMITS Signature campaign activation events that bring youth together for hands-on workshops, creative exhibits, and mentorship opportunities. Events are hosted in cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn, often in partnership with NBA teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors/Valkyries.
• FREE TO DREAM Studios An original content production studio that amplifies public awareness of the crisis of mass incarceration through campaigns, short films, and stories that shift national conversations about the transformative power of dreams.
• DREAMKEEPER Collective A growing national network of youth organizations, schools, and businesses convened and activated by Free To Dream to leverage reach and extend resources to tens of thousands of youth nationwide.
• I AM FREE TO DREAM Campaign A multi-year national campaign launched with American Student Assistance (ASA) to amplify youth dreams, reshape conversations about educational attainment and career-readiness, and highlight diverse pathways young people may travel toward prosperity. Includes regional activations, educational resources, and inspirational content.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of Rebirth of Sound participants reported feeling more healed, supported, and dignified
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• NBA FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025NBA Foundation collaborates with Free To Dream on DREAMKEEPER Resource Kit and national DREAM SUMMITS events. Ruth Jurgensen, Executive Director of NBA Foundation, featured as Dreamkeeper Spotlight.
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to install state-of-the-art music studios in California correctional facilities for Rebirth of Sound program. First studio opened at Valley State Prison in July 2025.
• Anti-Recidivism Coalition (Scott Budnick)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHollywood producer and justice reform advocate Scott Budnick co-founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and partners with Free To Dream on Rebirth of Sound program implementation in correctional facilities.
• Brooklyn NetsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Brooklyn Nets and Social Justice Fund for Dream Summit event in December 2025, welcoming 60 students from local partner organizations.
• Golden State Warriors/ValkyriesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Dream Summit events with Golden State Valkyries and Warriors, including event in May 2026.
• BriteboundmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritebound collaborated with Free To Dream on Dreamkeeper Resource Kit development and ASU+GSV Summit presentation on transformative dreaming.
• New Life DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of Art In Motion charter school alongside Common, representing local community development organization on Chicago's South Side.
• Distinctive Schools NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner network co-founding Art In Motion charter school, providing charter school operational expertise.
• Valley State PrisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia state prison housing inaugural Rebirth of Sound cohort starting July 21, 2025, with professional recording studio installation.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Anti-Recidivism Coalition: A justice reform nonprofit co-founded by Scott Budnick that partners with Free To Dream on Rebirth of Sound prison programming. Directly comparable as a nonprofit operating rehabilitation services inside California correctional facilities, often alongside the same government and advocacy partners.
• Rehabilitation Through the Arts: A nonprofit that runs arts-based programming (theater, dance, writing, music) inside New York State prisons. Closely comparable to Free To Dream's Rebirth of Sound because both deliver creative-arts rehabilitation to incarcerated populations, although RTA focuses on NY facilities.
• Big Thought: A Dallas-based youth development nonprofit that partners with schools and communities to deliver creative-arts and social-emotional learning. Erin Offord, Big Thought's CEO, is a Free To Dream Dreamkeeper Spotlight, evidencing a network-level relationship and directly comparable creative-arts-youth-development model.
• The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation: A nonprofit that donates musical instruments and supports music education in underserved K-12 schools. Comparable as an arts-education nonprofit serving opportunity youth, with similar creative-arts-development value proposition though a narrower instrumental-music focus than Free To Dream's broader creative-arts + rehabilitation portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall Musical Connections: A long-running Carnegie Hall program that provides music-making opportunities in correctional, healthcare, and community settings. Comparable mission and method to Rebirth of Sound (music as rehabilitation), though delivered as part of a much larger institutional arts-education portfolio.
• Year Up: A large workforce-development nonprofit serving opportunity youth with career training and corporate placement. Comparable to Free To Dream's opportunity-youth career exploration mission, but with a much broader, more corporate-employer-anchored model.
• KIPP Foundation: A national charter-school network serving underserved K-12 students. Comparable as a charter operator focused on opportunity youth, though KIPP is a much larger and more academically oriented network than Art In Motion's arts focus.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: A national youth-development nonprofit with after-school programming, mentorship, and arts exposure. Comparable target population and community-based delivery model, but at vastly greater scale and with a federated affiliate structure rather than Free To Dream's direct-service + digital approach.

Emerging players

• Dream Corps: A nonprofit founded by Van Jones operating #Cut50 and Green For All, focused on criminal-justice reform and opportunity-youth workforce pathways. Comparable in combining justice reform, opportunity-youth focus, and celebrity-founder brand, though with a policy-advocacy orientation rather than direct service delivery.

Others

• Britebound: An edtech/research firm that co-developed the Dreamkeeper Resource Kit with Free To Dream and presented alongside it at ASU+GSV. Comparable as a strategic collaborator in the Dreamkeeper product rather than a competitor, and relevant as a peer in the youth-development edtech ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IamFreeToDream
• Instagraminstagram.com/iam_freetodream

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Free To Dream