The HART Fund
The HART Fund
The Blues Foundation
49 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103-2492
Tel: 901-527-2583
Fax: 901.529.4030
The Blues Foundation has established the HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral expenses. Grants generally range between $250 and $1500".
Over the years, contributions have been made by our members and other donors and donations have also come from specific benefit events. Funds donated to the HART Fund are dedicated 100% to artist relief efforts. Contributions may be made online here or by sending a check to: The Blues Foundation (HART Fund), 49 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.
In late 2005, contributions were earmarked to provide some financial relief for blues musicians impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Those funds have now been distributed. You can read testimonials from Blues Artists who were helped by the HART Fund below.
Requests for funding should be made by contacting The Blues Foundation, calling 901.527.2583 ext 12. You will be provided and asked to complete a short application form.
The HART Fund also provides help connecting Blues musicians in need with additional resources. A link to those resources can be found on the left.
"I just want to thank you so much for your generosity towards me during this crazy health challenge...for helping me obtain a grant from the HART Fund. It has been so wonderful to have the luxury to focus on healing without worrying about mounting bills. Your compassion has really helped me and my sons during this crisis." - Candye Kane
"That check came in handy. At the time we were in the midst of replacing our personal and lost items because of the flood. I was grateful that your organization came together so quickly to offer help." - Irma Thomas
"As you know I was hit hard by Katrina in Hattiesburg, but I was hit in New Orleans as well. I spent a lot of time in the Big Easy, and had set up a small production office there. I lost studio monitors, power amps, office materials, etc. When I was presented with a check from the HART Fund of the Blues Foundation, I was surprised, honored, and thankful. It is a wonderful blessing to have friends, and colleagues who where there in my time of need. Thank you, Blues Foundation, for the funds to help me get the tools that I use to make the Blues." - Vasti Jackson
"I, like more than 200 thousand people in Louisiana and Mississippi, were forced, at the end of August of 2005, to totally rearrange our lives as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Included in that number of Katrina survivers/evaccuees were thousands of musical artists who lost many or all the tools of their profession. We were grateful to be recipients of help from agencies like the Blues Foundation's HART Fund, who gave money, instruments, food, clothing, temporary housing and much more to many of the musicians who suffered from Katrina's actions. Every little bit helped." - Henry Butler
"After Katrina, my family was displaced for a few weeks. I got back and my house was spared but I had some health problems and was unable to play for several months. The help from The Blues Foundation gave me a hand while I was down. I’m feeling better now but I appreciate the Foundation helping me and my family during those times." - Snooks Eaglin
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