The Jeremy Wilson Foundation
501(c)3 nonprofit musician health and service organization
Our mission is to support working musicians.
The need for our services
Very few relief organizations assist working musicians who, as members of the creative class, are often at high risk of financial distress in times of medical emergencies. Often due to a lack of fundamental financial security, stability, and a professional business structure, many artists simply cannot afford basic health care or have little to no savings to cover costs in times of health-related emergencies. Musicians are considered self-employed and do not typically receive employee benefits, so they are twice as likely as the general public to be uninsured.
Our Mission
The Jeremy Wilson Foundation provides support to musicians and music industry workers in Oregon and Clark County, Washington as they navigate health-related challenges.
Through the Musician Health & Services Program we provide assistance in two critical ways: 1) social services support to help identify potential sources of local, state and federal aid and navigate the healthcare system, and 2) financial assistance grants to qualified applicants.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer and found myself in a whirlwind financially, emotionally and logistically. The JWF was a huge support to my family and me, providing support, information and organization when we needed it the most.”
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The JWF Story
For more than a decade, the Jeremy Wilson Foundation 501(c)3 (JWF) has been dedicated to improving the overall well-being of local musicians and their families during times of medical crisis.
Singer-songwriter Jeremy Wilson, a lifelong working musician whose bands include the Dharma Bums and Pilot, was inspired to launch the JWF in June 2010 after being diagnosed with a serious congenital heart condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White. This experience quickly exposed the harsh reality of navigating the healthcare system as an artist and independent contractor, and the need for better access to healthcare in the musical community.
Jeremy was also struck by the incredible outpouring of goodwill and support he received from the friends, fans and family that helped him through four heart surgeries. Jeremy formed the JWF in hopes of replicating this model: uniting fellow musicians and music lovers to help provide critical support to individual musicians and their families when medical crises occur.
This resulted in the JWF’s Musician Health & Services Program (MHSP), which provides both financial assistance for qualified recipients and critical consultative support through the JWF volunteer social services team. This social services component, led by a Licensed Master Social Worker, enables JWF to connect those we serve with additional local, state, or federal aid and help them navigate the complex healthcare system.