Meet the Team
Who We Are
The Pioneers Assistance Fund is the only industry program providing both short- and long-term support to motion picture industry veterans. Our team is dedicated to helping with medical care, insurance, emergency grants, and more—while also laying the foundation for long-term stability. Use the flip cards below to learn more about us!
Myths vs. Reality:
The Truth About What The Foundation Does
Many people have misconceptions about our work at Will Rogers. Below, we set the record straight by debunking common myths and sharing the truth.
Myth: Only retired industry professionals can receive help.
REALITY: The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial assistance and supportive counseling to both active and retired entertainment industry members who face accident, illness, injury, or life-altering circumstances.
Myth: You need to pay the Pioneers Assistance Fund back for any money you receive.
REALITY: All money distributed by the Pioneers Assistance Fund is charitable assistance and does not need to be paid back (it’s not a loan), nor is it taxable as income and therefore does not need to be declared on income tax returns.
Myth: I need to tell my boss I am going to ask the Pioneers Assistance Fund for help.
REALITY: All communication with the Pioneers Assistance Fund is confidential and therefore will not be discussed with your employer or colleagues. Individuals can contact Pioneers Assistance Fund Social Workers directly without going through their HR/Benefits department.
Myth: It’s difficult to get assistance.
REALITY: The application process is designed to be as accessible as possible for those in need, ensuring that support reaches those who qualify quickly and efficiently. Once the application is completed, a social worker will contact you and provide the next steps designed to cater to each applicant’s needs.
Myth: The Pioneers Assistance Fund only provides financial aid.
REALITY: In addition to financial assistance, the Pioneers Assistance Fund provides counseling, mental health support, referrals to local agencies and community resources, budgeting assistance, articles on healthy living, and much more.
Myth: The Pioneers Assistance Fund only helps people who live and work in Hollywood.
REALITY: While the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation is connected to the film industry and is headquartered in Los Angeles, we support behind-the-scenes (aka “below the line”) workers who work exclusively in film, as well as individuals who work in theatrical distribution and exhibition across the entire United States.
Myth: The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation was founded by Will Rogers himself.
REALITY: The Foundation was created in honor of Will Rogers after his passing in 1935. It embodies his legacy of charity and support for industry members, but he was not directly involved in establishing it.
Team Photos
Here are a few handpicked photos capturing our team in action, showcasing their dedication, collaboration, and hard work in real time.
What we’ve accomplished
Our accomplishments in 2024 have been truly outstanding. Here are just a few highlights.
4-star rating
from Charity Navigator
4,400+
views on the expanded
INNERMISSION webinar
monthly sessions
Served 1,700
industry members
in need of financial assistance, housing,
natural disaster grants and community referrals.
Provided Brave Beginnings with grants to
7 hospitals
across the country
Social workers spent
3,500 hours
on advocacy, counseling,
and budgeting assistance
Funded Will Rogers Institute
pulmonary fellowships
& research grants
at 6 Prestigious institutions
Assistance Programs
Social Service Consultations
Consultations Include:
- Comprehensive Care Assessment
- Federal/State Benefits Screening
- Health Insurance Advice
- Elder Care Guidance
- Education
- Advocacy
- Supportive Counseling
- Bereavement Counseling
Salah Hassanein Medical Grant*
Temporary Financial Aid for:
- Physician Fees
- Diagnostic Tests
- Medications
- Home Health Care
- Physical Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Health Insurance
Bernie Myerson Emergency Grant*
Temporary Financial Aid For:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Burial or Cremation
Vocational Rehabilitation*
Temporary Financial Aid for:
- Skill Analysis
- Career Counseling
- Retraining
- Job-Seeking Advice
Equipment Aid*
Temporary Grants For:
- Hearing Aids
- Orthotics
- Mobility Aids
- Assisted Devices
- Home Health Supplies
- Bath Safety Aids
- Emergency Call System
Tom Sherak Pioneer Grant
Ongoing monthly stipend for career film industry members.
Requires a lengthy career in the motion picture entertainment industry prior to retirement. Applicants must be at least 60 years of age, unless permanently disabled with extenuating circumstances.
*Requires three recent, qualifying years of employment in Exhibition, and five recent years for Distribution and vendors
How to apply for assistance
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
1) You have worked in exhibition (i.e. a movie theater) for a minimum total of three (3) recent years.
2) You have worked in either of the following for a minimum total of five (5) recent years:
- Theatrical distribution (i.e. a movie studio)
- Vendor exclusive to either sector
- Theatrical trade services
3) You DO NOT work in the production sector of the motion picture industry (emergency relief for this sector is provided by other industry charities).
Step 2: Confirm your financial need
The primary reason for your financial need must be related to:
- Housing emergency
- Accident
- Illness
- Injury
- Life-changing event
- Death of an immediate family member
Step 3: Submit Online Inquiry
Please know you are not alone. Many industry workers are in the same position you are in. Click below to submit your request and schedule a call with one of our social workers.