Meet Our Musical Community of Support

Musicians and music industry workers: we’ve got you covered.

At the Jeremy Wilson Foundation, we serve musicians effectively because we are part of the musical community we support.
Founded by a working musician, JWF is built on the generosity, compassion, and solidarity of local artists—musicians who are always the first to step up when one of their own is in need. This deep-rooted connection drives everything we do. We’re proud of this community-powered network of care.

Meet the supporters and grant recipients who make this mission possible.

Examples of JWF Musician Health & Services Program assistance:

Applicant #1* is a renowned Portland-area musician who was unable to perform due to extensive dental issues. JWF provided a substantial grant to assist with the cost of multiple expensive dental surgeries. Our trained Navigator offered to help them reapply for Medicaid and also guided them to additional food assistance.

Applicant #2 is a Portland-based musician whose young child has a serious medical condition which has caused the Applicant and their spouse to stop working to care for the child through treatments and surgeries. The family was behind on rent, and a substantial grant from JWF got them caught up and also covered some future rent. Our Navigator also guided them to food and utility assistance.

Applicant #3 approached JWF for assistance with a large health care bill. The provider had assured them upfront that they were in-network with the applicant's insurance, which they learned was wrong upon receiving the large out-of-network bill. A JWF Navigator provided guidance and resources on how to challenge this, resulting in the provider ultimately waiving the bill.

Applicant #4 approached us for assistance after an emergency surgery left him with a $20,000 hospital bill. Our volunteer navigator helped to identify medical coverage through Medicaid, which covered the entire hospital bill.

Applicant #5 experienced severe back issues caused by his job, which left him unable to work and without health insurance. Our navigator guided him to apply for Medicaid and food assistance, both of which were approved. We also suggested that he look into worker’s compensation; his claim was approved and covered $1,800 in out-of-pocket medical bills.

Applicant #6 approached the JWF in advance of a scheduled surgery for help with the out-of-pocket costs. Our navigator guided her to the hospital’s financial assistance program, which covered the entire $3,900 bill. The JWF also provided her with a grant to cover additional care related to her surgery for which there were no other available resources.

Application #7 came to the JWF for guidance after he lost his Medicaid coverage due to an increase in his income. Our navigator determined he was likely eligible for a Marketplace plan with tax credit assistance. We referred him to a local insurance agent who guided him through the enrollment process to successfully obtain new insurance, and also referred him to a local nonprofit program for potential assistance with his remaining monthly insurance premium.

*Applicant names are withheld to ensure privacy. Count Kellam and Seann McKeel gave us permission to disclose certain details of their health-related circumstances.

JWF Artist Portrait Project by photographer Norm Eder

Launched in July 2020, the Jeremy Wilson Foundation (JWF) Artist Portrait Project is an ongoing tribute to the people who power our region’s music scene.

To date, more than 350 musicians, promoters, venue operators, stage crew, producers, and music community allies have been photographed—each one a vital thread in the cultural fabric of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Many of the featured artists have also been recipients of support through the JWF Musician Health & Services Program, highlighting the very real impact of community care through music.

The Jeremy Wilson Foundation Artist Portrait Project celebrates the vibrant diversity, creativity, and spirit of the musicians who shape the cultural fabric of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Through powerful visual storytelling, this project honors the artists who dedicate their lives to music—reminding us how profoundly they enrich our communities and our lives.

With over 350 participants to date, the Artist Portrait Project is a moving tribute to the people behind the music.

Meet just a few of the incredible artists who make our world sound better.

The JWF Musician Health & Services Program has been dedicated to supporting the musicians and music industry workers of Oregon and Clark County, Washington since 2010. We are supported by your tax deductible donations.

(c) 2021 Photography by Norman Eder & Rob Layman for the JWF Artist Portrait Project. Make-up artist Natalie Olsen. Thank you Norman, Rob and Natalie for your amazing creativity and huge donation! Much thanks to PRO PHOTO SUPPLY for their generous in-kind donation of the photo studio, backdrops and lighting.