Music Maker Relief Foundation helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations. Our criterion for recipients is they be rooted in a Southern musical tradition, be 55 years or older and have an annual income less than $18,000. Its programs include: Musician Sustenance - grants to meet basic life needs and emergency relief. Musical Development - grants and services for recipient artist professional development and career advancement. Cultural Access - supports the preservation and proliferation of American musical traditions. New Orleans Musician's Fund - assistance to musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. More Information

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. More Information

Founded in 1988, The Rhythm & Blues Foundation has been the only independent nonprofit service organization solely dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of Rhythm & Blues music. The Foundation provides financial support, medical assistance and educational outreach through various grants and programs to support R&B and Motown artists of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. More Information

Society of Singers benefits the health and welfare of professional singers worldwide. Grants may be provided to singers who have needs resulting from personal, family or medical crises. Applicants must have derived their primary income from singing for at least five years to qualify for aid. Scholarships are also granted to Masters students attending vocal arts programs at accredited universities nationwide. More Information

The Jazz Foundation of America with its Musicians Emergency Fund provides help for elder Jazz and Blues Musicians in the form of rent, utility and food assistance. It also partners with Englewood Hospital in NJ to provide free medical assistance through a pro bono network of physicians and specialists. More Information