Essential Links

In 1907, the eminent pianist Rafael Joseffy joined with some friends and esteemed colleagues to establish The Bohemians. Incorporated in the State of New York in 1908, the membership was originally limited to fifty, but has since been greatly expanded. Also, like so many similar organizations of those years, it started with only male members, but these restrictions were removed in the early 1950s, and the organization has since had a fairly equal balance of members of both genders. Two thirds are active performers, arrangers and composers. The smaller quota of non-professional music lovers are a unique, vital and important part of the organization.

The Sweet Relief fund provides financial assistance to musicians of all ages who have a serious medical condition and cannot afford to pay expenses such as doctor's visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, deductibles or costs not covered by insurance, medical insurance premiums, prescriptions, alternative therapies, treatment for alcohol or chemical dependency, and living expenses if the artist is unable to work. Sweet Relief also has a new financial assistance program especially for retired or semi-retired older musicians, which helps pay living expenses.

The MusiCares Foundation was established by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. in 1989 to focus the attention and resources of the music industry on the health, human service and welfare needs that impact all music people. Through services such as Financial Assistance Grants, a recently introduced Substance Abuse Resource Program, a national self-paid Health Insurance Plan, and a Directory of Human Resources and Referral Services, MusiCares continues to be a life-line to music people who find themselves in times of trouble and need. MusiCares fundraising activities are used to support the following MusiCares programs and services as well as a number of long-term goals, including the creation of health clinics and retirement facilities for the music community.

The Society of Singers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1984 by Mrs. Henry Mancini. The Society has been devoted to addressing the needs of professional singers for the past twelve years and it continues to insure that singers have a place to turn to when they need a friend and a helping hand. Through coordination of services and personal attention the Society has succeeded in helping over one thousand applicants meet their most pressing obligations in these difficult times.

The Actor's Fund is for people on the stage and behind the scenes, in front of the camera and behind the lens. People in film and theatre, TV and radio, music, dance and opera, and a full medley of other entertainment media have always been able to turn to The Actors' Fund when some personal or family crisis threatens their well-being.

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation is a not-for-profit service organization whose mission is to foster wider recognition, financial support and historic and cultural preservation of rhythm and blues music and artists of the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's.

The mission of the Artists' Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC) is to provide the arts community with the information necessary to make informed choices about individual and small business group health insurance options available in each state.

The DOC POMUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS, named in the memory of the Foundation's founding trustees, supports the current and specific financial needs of legendary rhythm and blues artists whose contributions have been seminal in the music's development and growth. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided over $500,000 in service and Financial Assistance Grants.

The Jazz Foundation of America is a national organization dedicated to saving the lives of older jazz and blues musicians for the past 19 years. Every day the Jazz Foundation prevents homelessness and eviction by paying rents and mortgages, offering free medical care and operations through our partnership with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, and creating employment for hundreds through our Agnes Varis Jazz in the Schools program, bringing joy and free concerts to thousands of children and nursing home residents throughout the country.