The Mississippi Blues Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity whose mission is to promote the objectives of the Mississippi Blues Commission (MBC) by fostering an appreciation of the Blues and to promote authentic Blues music for the purposes of tourism, education, preservation, economic development and academic study and to support the benevolent activities of the MBC. The Foundation has been active in its fundraising endeavors, including the creation and sale of Mississippi Blues Trail license plates, from which a portion of the proceeds goes to the Foundation’s Benevolence Fund.

Benevolence Fund

‘The Mississippi Blues Foundation’s Benevolence Fund is a wonderful avenue for helping musicians in need. Many of our blues artists live in limited-resource environments without access to quality medical and dental care, and many struggle with day-to-day expenses. Some of the musicians have been faced with unfortunate circumstances, whether it’s an illness, injury, or loss of their instrument due to a fire or theft that has kept them performing. Others have needed temporary help with living expenses to keep from being forced from their home, and others have needed help with burial expenses.

The good news is that through the generosity of individuals, corporate donors, and the money raised by the sale of Mississippi Blues Trail license plates, the Blues Foundation has been able to give more than $150,000 to help these musicians. As Benevolence Fund Committee Chairman Dr. Edgar Smith says, “We recognize that many blues musicians, particularly the older ones, have no health insurance. They really need our help, and I think it’s appropriate for us to have some mechanism for assisting the people from whom the blues derived.” Donors can rest assured that 100% of the funds raised go directly toward meeting these needs, without any adminstrative costs.

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