Musicians Foundation is formed to foster the interests and advance the condition and social welfare of professional musicians and to provide voluntary aid and assistance to professional musicians and their families in case of need.
In today’s volatile professional climate, many musicians experience greater financial risk than ever before. Musicians Foundation provides financial grants to professional musicians that help pay essential bills, like medical and dental treatments, rents and mortgages, and utilities. Funds raised through bequests, benefits and other events, as well as generous individual and recurring donations, have enabled the Foundation to award these grants to eligible recipients for over a century.
Professional musicians in specific periods of need, crisis, and transition can apply for a grant through our comprehensive online application. Submitted applications are reviewed by our staff and a screening committee to ensure we give aid as effectively as possible. If awarded a grant, a check is made out directly to the biller (hospitals, landlords, utility providers, etc.) and sent to the approved applicant. This process allows musicians to pay bills quickly and with dignity.
Our application and grants are available to musicians of all backgrounds and identities who live and work in the United States.
We stand firmly with Black performers, educators, and composers working in all musical genres. To us, music is a sacred, artistic, and uniquely human expression, and the discrimination arising from systematic racism serves only to limit and oppress that expressive ability. The tremendous impact of Black musicians is an undeniable feat and a testament to their artistry and strength. Musicians Foundation has been assisting musicians and their families in need since 1914. As we continue to expand our presence, services, and mission during these challenging times, we welcome feedback as to how we can better reach musicians in all our communities of color.
We recognize the substantial cultural impact of Hispanic/Latino/Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and LGBTQ+ artists on the nation’s musical tradition. We are sensitive to the ways specific groups of performers, composers, and educators have been historically disenfranchised and marginalized in this country.
Musicians Foundation’s Century of Giving, a comprehensive analysis of financial aid granted to musicians and their families, details the rich history of support given since 1914.
Click here to view Musicians Foundation's Gold-rated profile on Guidestar.
For additional financial information, please contact us via email at info@musiciansfoundation.org or by phone at 212-239-9137. Thank you!