My Nonprofit Reviews
Jan K.
Review for Jazz Bridge Project, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
Many people may look at an organization like this and say "Hey.. there are plenty of more pressing problems that deserve my money." Well sure, there is no shortage of causes that are worthy of our contributions.
But the old phrase "Charity begins at home" should not be lost. There is something very special and personal about contributing when the direct beneficiaries are those whose daily lives are intertwined with our own. Jazz and Blues musicians and vocalists (the professional ones) have devoted their lives to an art form which has declined precipitously in popularity over the decades. This creates not only a decrease in their revenue and ability to eke out a living, but also deprives them of the opportunity to share their gifts with those who still appreciate and love America's only native musical form.
Jazz Bridge not only provides a safety net for those who need assistance with the mundane aspects of daily life.. medical and dental care...replacement of lost or stolen instruments, and legal assistance. The local concerts they organize and present give these artists them opportunity to do what they have devoted their lives to mastering. In the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley, the dozens of venues that hired live musicians (especially Jazz and Blues artists) have closed in rapid succession, By holding various series of events at family-friendly venues and for modest fees, Jazz Bridge not only provides reasonably paid working opportunities to musicians, but offers opportunities for exposure to fans (and potential fans) of all ages.
It feels good to know you can help people across the globe whom you will never meet ... but if feel GREAT to help those who are your neighbors, and share in making our region a viable place for a deserving art form to thrive and continue.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make the community more aware of easy ways to donate.. Like Amazon Smile. I buy stuff on Amazon all the time. By registering Jazz Bridge in their "Smile" program, they get a small donation each time I purchase something online. I'm certain it would add up if more people were aware of "passive" donations.
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2015
Review for Jazz Bridge Project, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
Jazz Bridge serves a very unique and under-publicized role in assisting artists in need. Jazz is America's greatest contribution to the arts, and unfortunately does not command the respect or financial support that is enjoyed by performers of European classical music.
As such, talented and dedicated performers, more often than not, choose to live at subsistence levels in order to pursue this art. Emotional rewards aside, remuneration for Jazz musicians rarely allows a lifestyle above minimal survival (rent, food and hopefully transportation.)
The slightest financial, health or legal problem can render the average jazz musician or vocalist homeless in very short order.
Jazz Bridge fulfills a role which no other organization does in recognizing this rare segment of our society, and coming to the aid of those in need in a very selfless manner.
Funds are not spent on fancy headquarters. Officers to not meet in the Caribbean. Donors know that when they support Jazz Bridge, their funds will go directly to help those artists who selflessly give us a great deal of joy, receiving little in return.
Jazz Bridge allows them a little bit more dignity in this life than they are used to (or expect.) They deserve all the support they can get.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am not personally a working professional musician, but I do play Jazz as an avocation and have close personal relationships with many of the musicians who have benefited from Jazz Bridge's help.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
See that they are funded to the extent that they could serve more constituents.
