International Blues Challenge

An annual Blues Foundation event in which affiliated blues societies from around the world send their best band and solo/duo performers for a head to head challenge along historic Beale Street to crown those acts ready to take the international blues stage.

Generation Blues

A unique scholarship fund managed by The Blues Foundation to provide financial assistance to qualified young blues musicians under the age of 21 to study their instrument of choice at reputable blues camps, workshops and programs across the country.

HART Fund

The Blues Foundation 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 and burial expenses. Throughout the year at various events, the HART Fund provides free health screenings for musicians, with services including but not limited to checking blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, prostate cancer, Hep C, anemia, thyroid, kidney, and liver testing via blood work.

Blues Musician Emergency Relief Fund

The Blues Foundation established the Blues Musician Emergency Relief Fund for Blues musicians in financial need due to a broad range of  non health related concerns. The Fund provides assistance with the following:

• Rent/Mortgage
• Utilites
• Telephone & Internet
• Health insurance premiums.

Blues in the Schools

The future of blues music resides with our next generation and we are committed to strong music education for children across the world. Through Blues in the Schools (BITS), The Blues Foundation collaborates and partners with Blues educators and Blues Affiliates to bring high quality blues educational programs to local communities.