Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, The Blues Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve Blues history, celebrate Blues excellence, support Blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. With 165 affiliated Blues societies and a membership that spans the globe, the Foundation's signature honors and events - the Blues Music Awards, Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, International Blues Challenge and Keeping the Blues Awards - make it the international center of Blues music. Its HART Fund assists the Blues community with medical assistance while it's Blues in the Schools programming exposes new generations to Blues music. Throughout the year, the Foundation staff serves the worldwide Blues community with answers, contact information and news.
A twenty-five person Board of Directors governs the Foundation, supported by an esteemed Advisory Board. Funding for The Blues Foundation comes from membership dues, private donations, corporate sponsorships, grants from private foundations, government agencies and arts organizations and merchandise and event ticket sales. Contributions to The Blues Foundation, including membership dues, are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
PRESERVATION OF BLUES HISTORY - The Blues Foundation seeks to preserve and to highlight the rich history of Blues through the following:
The Blues Hall of Fame - Each year the Foundation acknowledges the pioneers of Blues through its inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame. The Blues Hall of Fame inductions have been held in Memphis, Los Angeles and Washington, DC.
The Lifetime Achievement Award - The Blues Foundation has periodically paid special tribute to a legend of Blues with its Lifetime Achievement Award, traditionally presented in Los Angeles.
The HART Fund - Through its Handy Artists Relief Trust (HART Fund), the Foundation provides financial assistance to Blues artists and their loved ones in tough times arising from illness, accident and other similar circumstances.
CELEBRATION OF BLUES EXCELLENCE - The Blues Foundation celebrates the best current developments in Blues through the following:
The Blues Music Awards Awards® - What have at times been known as the Handy Awards represent the highest accolade afforded musicians and songwriters in Blues music. The show is presented each spring in Memphis and has been shown across America on noncommercial television stations.
The International Blues Challenge ("IBC") - The contest begins months before at dozens of regional "battles of the bands" presented by the Foundation's 165 Affiliated Organizations. The winners of these preliminaries are matched in head-to-head juried competition for the chance to take their band or solo/duo act to the national stage with great gigs, cash and prizes.
The IBC weekend also features the only international conference for Blues societies, offers networking and problem-solving opportunities not found elsewhere. These behind-the-scenes people so important to the Blues world are also honored during the IBC weekend with the Foundation's annual Keeping the Blues Alive Awards.
SUPPORT OF EDUCATION - The Blues Foundation supports music education initiatives through the following:
www.blues.org - The Blues Foundation's website represents a comprehensive collection of resources for Blues scholars and fans. Included on the site are a searchable database of Blues educators and artists-in-residence, a Blues bibliography, and a collection of Blues-based curricula compiled from educators around the country.
Looking for a Blues Society in Idaho or the complete history of Blues Music Awards winners? www.blues.org is the site to visit on the internet. The Blues Foundation's official website is a first point of contact for anyone looking for information about the Blues.
Blues in the Schools - The Foundation fosters Blues in the Schools music education programs across America. The website BITS pages offer links to providers and programs around the country.
