Musicians Foundation

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 was incorporated in 1914 by The Bohemians, a prestigious New York-based musicians club whose membership has included the most renowned names in the music industry for over 100 years.

Forward-thinking and philanthropic, the original Bohemians decided that rather than invest in a permanent clubhouse of their own, they would direct their formidable fund-raising abilities toward creating and endowing an organization "to provide voluntary aid and assistance to professional musicians and their families in case of need."

The Advisory Council is made up of leaders in the world of music and the arts. Known for their thoughtfulness, social engagement and philanthropy, the Advisory Council ensures that Musicians Foundation will continue to strengthen its ability to change lives. A National Medal of Arts recipient, Meredith Monk is a composer, singer, director/choreographer and creator of new opera, music-theater works, films and installations.

A rigorous selection process and streamlined administrative system ensures that every dollar we raise makes an impact. A comprehensive, two-part application requires candidates to have worked as professional musicians in the United States for at least five years. Applicants must submit tax statements demonstrating that their principal income is derived from work as musicians.

Musicians Foundation is proud to partner with other nonprofit organizations and musicians' unions in order to extend our reach further into the musical community. A consortium of organizations comes together regularly to strategize about how best to serve musicians in need. Pooling available funds and sharing information and social services with our colleagues allows us to amplify our impact and give more to musicians.