PRESERVING AMERICA’S SOUL

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts service organization whose mission is to encourage wider recognition of artists, and historical and cultural preservation of rhythm and blues music of the 40s, 50s and 60s and now the 70s. Through our grants and education programs, we provide financial assistance and support to the dedicated artists who perform America’s soul music. With the generous contributions of individuals, corporations, and other arts organizations, the Foundation works to fulfill its mission through four significant programs:

THE PIONEER AWARDS PROGRAM

The Foundation’s Pioneer Awards Program has recognized over 150 legendary artists whose lifelong contributions have been instrumental in the development of rhythm and blues music. The annual gala honors the career achievements of solo artists, vocal groups, songwriters, and producers who are nominated and selected by members of our board of directors; and, as part of the Pioneer Award, each recipient receives an honorarium. Since 1989, the Pioneer Awards Program has awarded over $2.5 million dollars to worthy honorees and will continue to honor legendary R & B artists of this great American music.

THE DOC POMUS AND FOUNDERS FUND

Named in memory of one of the Foundation's founding directors, the Doc Pomus and Founders Fund provides emergency financial assistance to rhythm and blues artists for medications, wheelchairs, dental work, eyeglasses, hearing aids, musical instruments, and funeral expenses. The Doc Pomus and Founders Fund is the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's longest running financial assistance program. It uniquely benefits artists of earlier eras. Our ability to assist these artists depends wholly on the support of those who love and appreciate their music legacies.

MOTOWN/UNIVERSAL FUND MUSIC GROUP FUND

The Motown/Universal Music Group Fund was established by Universal Music Group to provide grants for health, welfare, and medical purposes, in the form of monetary assistance, to former rhythm and blues recording artists affiliated with Universal Music Group or any of its wholly owned affiliated labels.

THE GWENDOLYN B. GORDY FUQUA FUND

This fund was established by Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy to honor the memory of his sister, Gwendolyn who was a talented producer, songwriter, entrepreneur and pioneering music executive. The fund provides emergency financial assistance to former Motown artists of the 1960's and 1970's. Financial assistance may include reimbursements; payments for uninsured medical care and expenses; emergency assistance; burial assistance and other forms of charitable financial assistance, as determined by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

GRANT APPLICATION

Artists seeking assistance from the Foundation may download our Grant Application form (click here) and return by fax or mail to the address indicated at the bottom of the form.

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