Now here’s a great idea, in the tradition of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, HART (Handy Artists Relief Trust) for blues musicians, and others…

The Gospel Music Trust Fund (GMTF) was established “to supply to those who have made lasting contributions to gospel music, emergency assistance in times of financial need.”

With headquarters in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville, the GMTF “was founded by the late Herman Harper, former member of the Oak Ridge Boys and President of The Harper Agency, a major booking agency for gospel artists.”

How are the funds distributed? “A need is identified, usually by someone who is aware of a crisis. A request is made in writing to the GMTF for financial assistance. An immediate investigation of the need is made by the trustees and, if it meets the criteria set forth by the GMTF, a check is issued and usually sent directly to the hospital, physician, funeral home, etc.”

Gospel artist CeCe Winans and Max Siegel, formerly president of Verity Records, are members of the Board of Trustees. In addition to these representatives of the black gospel community, TBGB strongly encourages the GMTF to appoint to its Board of Trustees a gospel artist or executive from the Golden Era (1945 – 1965) who is in close touch with the legends and pioneers and can bring their needs to the attention of the Board as needed.

For more information on the GMTF, or to make a contribution, as it is a 501(c)(3) organization, visit its website: www.gospelmusictrustfund.org.

One Comment

  1. Leo Bakuri March 11, 2020 at 12:36 pm - Reply

    Good day,

    I trust you are well in Christ Jesus. May you kindly assist with information on how the gospel music trust fund works. I have received new songs from the Lord(almost 2 albums now) but i do not have funds to do recordings. Currently i am based in Cape Town South Africa.

    Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

    Kind regards,

    Leo

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Written by : Bob Marovich

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.