In 1994, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund was incorporated as a 501-C3 nonprofit charity. Since then, we have been a resource for music industry professionals, providing emergency financial assistance and other forms of support to career musicians, road crew and anyone who makes the majority of their income in the music business. 

Sweet Relief was founded by singer-songwriter Victoria Williams in 1994. Victoria, while on a career-making tour with Neil Young, was forced to drop off mid-schedule after experiencing unexplained debilitating symptoms. A long and painful diagnostic process revealed she had multiple sclerosis.

After her diagnosis, a group of friends assembled an all-star album of Victoria’s songs, Sweet Relief, which alleviated much of her medical debt. Vic, aware that there were many musicians like her -unable to afford medical expenses and compromised in their ability to work- donated some of her proceeds from the album to found Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides services and financial assistance for all types of career musicians and music industry professionals. Grant recipients include recording artists, club and session musicians, composers & songwriters from across the country, road crew, agents, managers and many others. We have aided people suffering from a wide range of conditions. Financial grants are paid directly to medical providers, hospitals, and other third party entities. Assistance is available to qualified applicants located in the U.S. and Canada.

Read about Sweet Relief’s qualifying guidelines on our Request Assistance page.