Musician's Emergency Resource Foundation, est. 1982
The Musicians' Emergency Resource Foundation (MERF),was formed in 1982 for the purpose of helping musicians in the local Louisville area with integrity and confidentiality during their time of need.
Musicians' Emergency Resource Foundation serves the Louisville, Kentucky music community in the following ways...
37
Serving Louisville musicians for 37 years.
10,000
Musicians served in our community
100%
Every dollar paid out.
Life Happens...
and when it does,MERF is here for you
When my friend Marvin Maxwell almost died in a wreck decades ago, the musicians in this town bound together to help him and his family in a time of crisis. That is the founding core principle for MERF. After my arthritis forced me into a double knee replacement, my community came through and saved me. I have performed many times for MERF over the years and MERF has been there for me ever since. I owe so much to this group of local musicians that have been there for me.
Sylvia, April 2020
"Great organization helping musicians when they need it most."
Wes, November 2019
"In my time of need, MERF came to my rescue with almost no questions asked and quick response! Thanks again!"
Daryl, November 2019
"MERF is such a wonderful organization helping out musicians in need. I strongly support MERF and looking forward to seeing everyone at the Toy Tiger Reunion tonight. We have some talented local musicians."
COVID19 Fundraiser and assistance program is now closed.
The Musician's Emergency Resource Foundation is extremely thankful for all the generosity that this community has shown to the local musicians. Without you, the Feed The Band initiative would not have been possible. MERF was able to raise just shy of $30,000.00 to go towards helping the displaced musicians in our community. To all the local musicians, please know that MERF is here to support you and we certainly hope we were able to provide some relief during this COVID-19 crisis.
Even though our "Feed The Band" fundraiser has ended, please understand MERF does not stop in our efforts to support our local music community. With that being said, please join us on our Facebook page at - https://www.facebook.com/MERFLouisville/ and stay tuned as we will be making an announcement very soon on a celebration event to welcome everyone back to normal life!
NOTE TO ALL LOCAL MUSICIANS:
Please understand MERF is still here to help. If you are a musician who has experienced a financially distressed situation as the result of a medical reason, please click the "NEED HELP" link to fill out the form and submit. MERF will review and evaluate your application and our normal assistance policy will be processed.
