Help Us Keep the Blues Alive

The Blues Heritage & Education Foundation exists to preserve, teach, document, and carry forward the blues traditions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

That work takes more than one organization.

It takes artists, educators, cultural institutions, businesses, community leaders, families, volunteers, sponsors, and people who simply believe this history is worth preserving.

Whether you give financially, provide materials, host a program, volunteer your time, or help us make a community connection, your support helps move the work forward.

Make a Donation

Invest in Cultural Preservation

Financial contributions help BHEF develop and deliver educational and cultural programming on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Support may help provide:

• Workshop materials and educational supplies
• Cigar box guitar building materials
• Artist and instructor compensation
• Transportation and program expenses
• Audio and video documentation
• Oral history and storytelling projects
• Educational materials
• Community programs and demonstrations
• Equipment needed to document and preserve local history

Every contribution helps BHEF turn preservation from an idea into something people can actually experience.

1. $10 — Friend of the Blues

2. $25 — Blues Supporter

3. $50 — Heritage Supporter

4. $100 — Blues Preservation Partner

5. $250 — Heritage Champion

6. $500 — Legacy Partner

7. Custom Amount — Give What You Can

Sponsor a Program

Put Your Support Where the Community Can Experience It

Businesses, foundations, organizations, and individuals can support specific BHEF programs and activities.

Sponsorship opportunities may include:

• Cigar box guitar workshops
• Youth and community education
• Cultural demonstrations
• Artist and tradition-bearer participation
• Oral history documentation
• Community storytelling projects
• Public cultural programs
• Educational materials and supplies

Program sponsorship allows supporters to help make a specific experience possible while demonstrating a commitment to Mississippi Gulf Coast culture and education.

BHEF Sponsorship Levels

1. $250 — Bronze Sponsor
   Recognition on the BHEF website and social media.

2. $500 — Silver Sponsor
   Previous benefits plus recognition connected to the sponsored program.

3. $1,000 — Gold Sponsor
   Previous benefits plus logo placement on applicable promotional materials.

4. $2,500 — Platinum Sponsor
   Previous benefits plus prominent program/event recognition and enhanced logo placement.

5. $5,000+ — Presenting Sponsor
   Top-level recognition, premier logo placement, acknowledgment at the sponsored program/event, and customized sponsorship benefits

Donate Materials or Services

Not every contribution has to be financial.

BHEF programs may require materials, equipment, professional services, and other resources.

Depending on current program needs, useful support may include:

• Workshop and craft supplies
• Wood and instrument-building materials
• Printing services
• Audio and video equipment
• Photography or videography
• Meeting or workshop space
• Transportation assistance
• Technology and equipment
• Professional services
• Event support

Before donating materials or services, please contact BHEF so we can confirm whether the contribution fits a current program need.

Become a Community Partner

BHEF welcomes partnerships with organizations that share an interest in education, cultural preservation, music, history, and community development.

Potential partners may include:

• Schools and colleges
• Museums
• Libraries
• Churches
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Community organizations
• Local businesses
• Music venues
• Historical organizations
• Municipal and public institutions

Partnerships may involve hosting programs, providing facilities, helping reach participants, collaborating on cultural projects, supporting educational activities, or helping document local history.

Community Partnership Levels

1. Community Ally
   Helps promote BHEF programs, events, and opportunities within their community or network.

2. Program Collaborator
   Works with BHEF on a specific educational, cultural, or community program.

3. Resource Partner
   Provides facilities, equipment, materials, professional expertise, volunteers, or other in-kind resources.

4. Strategic Partner
   Maintains an ongoing relationship with BHEF involving multiple programs, shared initiatives, referrals, or community outreach.

5. Institutional Partner
   Schools, museums, municipalities, foundations, cultural institutions, or other organizations engaged in a significant long-term collaboration with BHEF.