Butch Berman established the foundation in the spring of 1995 in order to protect and promote unique forms of American music during Butch's lifetime and into the future.

The foundation will encourage, in the form of grants and scholarships, artists who wish to perform unique forms of music throughout the country at small to medium-sized venues.

The foundation realizes the difficulties involved in maintaining a career as an artist and will assist those individuals who yearn to create according to their own hearts and not simply to become a commercial success.

The foundation will support and present local musicians whenever possible, providing not only performance opportunities but continuing education and teaching and workshop opportunities.

World-class musicians will also perform and conduct master classes, workshops and, perhaps, longer-term residencies in conjunction with local schools.

A recipient of a grant, scholarship or other award may include musicians, historians, curators and others who demonstrate a commitment to the preservation and promotion of unique forms of American music through education, performances or showings.

The foundation, touched by the spirit of all the musicians who seek to present and preserve music, will strive diligently to illuminate the pathway to a long-lasting, deep appreciation of music in all its forms and hues.

The foundation is a Nebraska non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Gifts to the foundation are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations governing donations to charities.