The Musicians Benevolent Fund

The Musicians Benevolent Fund was founded in 1921 in memory of Gervase Elwes, the celebrated English tenor. During the first year eleven grants were made totalling £90. The growth of the MBF from its beginning until the outbreak of the Second World War was steady, but it received a great boost when Dame Myra Hess generously donated the proceeds of her wartime National Gallery concerts.

Today the MBF is the music profession's own charity, the largest in its field providing advice and support for musicians suffering hardship as a result of illness, accident or simply old age. Help is given to all professional musicians in any branch of music, at the beginning, during, or after their careers. The MBF has recently broadened its charitable activity to encompass those who work or have worked in occupations closely related to music.

In 1999 the MBF dealt with almost 1400 cases, spending over £1 million in making direct grants to around 900 people, and giving advice and support to many others. The MBF runs a residential home in Bromley, although substantial support is also given to elderly musicians wishing to stay in their own homes or to those moving into other types of residential care.

In addition, the MBF has an expanding music education role. In 1999, over 150 individuals, ranging from school age children to those at the outset of their professional life, benefitted from awards totalling more than £150,000. The MBF also contributed a significant amount to organisations including the National Youth Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra for projects and bursaries providing training opportunities for outstanding young musicians

Annnually, a Festival is organised by the MBF on or near St. Cecilia's Day, 22nd November and continues a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The occasion is marked with a catherdral service, a luncheon and The Royal Concert, which is the major annual fund-raising event in aid of the MBF and allied music charities. Throughout the country, cathedrals, churches and musical organisations hold services and concerts in association with the Festival making St Cecilia's Day a celebration and thanksgiving for music.

Each year the MBF sells Christmas Cards with a musical theme. Proceeds from the sales directly benefit the MBF's work. However, the MBF is mainly financed by donations and legacies, so those musicians who have given pleasure to so many by their art can maintain their dignity if they fall on hard times. Every grant made is meant, not as charity, but as an expression of thanks from music lovers to musicians.

The Secretary
Musicans Benevolent Fund
16 Ogle Street
London
W1P 8JB
Tel: 020 7636 4481
Fax: 020 7637 4307

e-mail: info@mbf.org.uk
Website: www.mbf.org.uk