WORLD – PLSN has been given this news to pass around to the touring community of techs, actors and musicians. Below is a list of places worth looking into for some financial, medical and psychological aid. Some links and funds may be expired by now, some may be re-opening their sites as funding comes in. We are merely the messengers and have not assembled this information ourselves. This is all information pasted from an email circulating in our industry.
More details from Endeavor (www.endeavorco.com):
U N I T E D S T A T E S : N A T I O N A L
THE CARES ACT
Overview: Self-employed songwriters, musicians and other music industry workers will be eligible for both grants and loans to make up for lost income during this unprecedented time under the “CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act),” the stimulus bill that was just signed into law.
Additional Information: Payments will be made to those who don’t typically qualify for unemployment benefits (e.g. self-employed, independent contractors, etc.) through December 2020. You will need to prove that you aren’t able to work because of COVID-19
Websites: CNBC / The National Law Review / NSAI
CREW NATION
Overview: Live music inspires millions around the world, but the concerts we all enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the countless crew members working behind the scenes. As COVID-19 puts concerts on pause, we want to extend a helping hand to the touring and venue crews who depend on shows to make a living. Live Nation has committed$10 million to Crew Nation – contributing an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans and employees dollar for dollar.
Additional Information: Over the next week, Live Nation will be reaching out to crew members from tours across the globe whose income has already been affected due to the cancellation or rescheduling of a Live Nation event. Crew Nation will be releasing an application for live music crews across the industry. Please check back for next steps.
Contact Info: crewnation@hobmusicforward.org
MUSICARES
Overview: Offers short-term financial assistance
Requirements: Minimum of 5 years of employment in the industry or 6 commercially released recordings or videos.
Additional Information: Chapters in: Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York; For Nashville, scroll down for more detailed contact info.
Contact Info: musicaresrelief@musicares.org
Website: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund
MUSICIANS FOUNDATION
Overview: Providing financial assistance to musicians in times of need, crisis, or transition.
Requirements: Must be a musician (any genre) in a time of acute need, due to personal, medical, dental, or family crisis, natural disaster, or other emergency situation; Must have worked in the USA as a professional musician for at least five (5) years and must currently reside in the US; Will need to provide tax documentation specifying that for five (5) or more years, your principal income has been from work as a musician.
Contact Info: info@musiciansfoundation.org / 212-239-9137
Website: http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/get-support/eligibility/
SWEET RELIEF MUSICIANS FUND
Overview: Sweet Relief is here to provide immediate assistance via a DONOR-DIRECTED FUND with a limited amount of funds available to be used specifically for musicians and music industry workers affected by the Coronavirus. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work.
Requirements: Must provide supplementary documentation proving that at least 50% of all income comes from working within the music community; Proof of cancellations and bookings; Relevant medical documentation
Contact Info: Brittani Escobedo / 714-626-0447
Website: https://www.sweetrelief.org/covid-19-fund.html
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS
Overview: AFM is calling on Congress to provide immediate economic relief on behalf of musicians and other working people in the midst of the crisis, including expanded unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures and utility shut-offs. Disabled AFM members can apply for financial aid through Petrillo Memorial Fund.
Requirements: Must be an AFM member
Additional Information: Join AFM at https://www.afm.org/join/new-members/
Contact Info: 917-229-0224
Website: Click here
ARTIST RELIEF TREE
Overview: Anyone who is an artist can request funds from the Artist Relief Tree
Requirements: Open to any Artist and Musician
Additional Information: Plans to fulfill every request with a flat $250 one a first-come-first serve basis. Fund is currently paused until it can secure more funding – sign up here if you would like to be informed when the opportunity becomes available again.
Contact Info: artistrelieftree@gmail.com
NEWPORT FESTIVALS MUSICIAN RELIEF FUND
Overview: Newport Festivals Foundation has established the Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund to provide financial relief to musicians in our Folk & Jazz communities experiencing a loss of income as a result of COVID-19 through rapid micro and full grants.
Additional Information: Focus and priority will be on artists who have played the Newport Jazz or Folk Festivals and those in our Rhode Island community.
Contact Info: 978-768-7664
Website Click here
SOUND ROYALTIES NO-COST FUNDING PROGRAM
Overview: Sound Royalties helps songwriters, artists, producers, and other music creators leverage their royalty streams for professional or personal funding. Through innovative financial alternatives, creatives can realize their ambitions without compromising the rights to their music. Musicians will be able to obtain advances from the $20m pot over the next 30 days, through April 16, or until the money is depleted. Sound Royalties says that songwriters,
performing artists, producers and others with royalty income can apply for zero-interest cash advances on a one-year repayment schedule with “no fees or costs of any kind”.
Requirements: Must apply before April 16, 2020
Contact Info: 888-987-3224 / https://soundroyalties.com/contact/
Website – Click here
THE CREATOR FUND
Overview: ConvertKit has established a $150,000+ fund to help creators in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please read details below and then submit your information if you are in need.
Additional information: Have received over 6,000 applicants so far – fund will likely be exhausted before they can get to everyone.
Website click here
ACTORS FUND
Overview: The Actors Fund fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan.
Requirements: Must provide current financial need; A minimum of five years of recent industry paid employment with earnings of at least $6,500 for three out of the last five years OR a minimum of 20 years of industry paid employment with a minimum of 10 years of earnings of at least $5,000.
Additional Information: Assistance nationally with offices in LA, NYC, and Chicago
Contact Info: info@actorsfund.org / 323-933-9244, ext. 455 (LA), 212-221-7300, ext. 119 (NYC), and 312-372- 0989 (Chicago)
Website: https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help
SOUNDGIRLS CORONAVIRUS RELIEF
Overview: The SoundGirls CoronaVirus Relief Fund helps production techs across the globe that are now unemployed due to the CoronaVirus Pandemic by providing a small amount of aid to purchase necessities and slightly ease the stress.
Requirements: Have been working in Live Event Production for the last three years as a primary source of income; Be able to provide two professional referrals; Employment documentation; Professional Resume.
Additional information: Providing $100 gift cards (Visa, Target, Gas, Grocery, etc) to qualified techs. Hoping to expand the amount in the coming weeks. Sending the gift cards via email on March 20, 2020, and will fill all requests until they run out
Website https://soundgirls.org/soundgirls-coronavirus-relief/
ARTIST RELIEF PROJECT
Overview: The recent global health crisis has had a huge impact on the arts industry. Artists, musicians, and performers dependent on live events and face-to-face interactions have lost their main source of income, and it is uncertain when (and if) they will be able to resume their livelihood as normal. The Artist Relief Project is collecting donations from those with the means to help. Funds will support artists in any discipline, who have been directly impacted by event cancellations and venue closures due to COVID19-related health concerns. The funds raised will
offer relief to artists in the immediate short term in the form of a one-time stipend and in the long term in the form of resources for alternative, sustainable economic opportunities.
Requirements: The only requirements are (1) you demonstrate you’re an artist by sharing your resume and website, where applicable, and (2) you share this fundraiser with your own networks and provide a screenshot of that activity.
Additional information: Providing $100 gift cards (Visa, Target, Gas, Grocery, etc) to qualified techs. Hoping to expand the amount in the coming weeks. Sending the gift cards via email on March 20, 2020, and will fill all requests until they run out
Contact Info: ArtistRelief@ArtlyWorld.org / 512-522-7656
Website: https://artistreliefproject.org/
NEW MUSIC SOLIDARITY FUND
Overview: The New Music Solidarity Fund is an artist-led initiative that aims to grant emergency funding to musicians impacted by COVID-19.
Requirements: Are you a musician working in new, creative, experimental or improvised music and are you a freelance artist, i.e., non-salaried by an institution?; Have you had a COVID-19 related cancelation of project(s)/performance(s) involving music by a living composer?; Is your immediate livelihood threatened by these cancelations?
Additional information: Fund currently paused due to an overwhelming amount of applications. Check website often for news of application process re-opening.
Contact Info: solidarity@newmusicusa.org
Website: https://www.newmusicusa.org/content/solidarity-fund/
FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
Overview: For as long as our Board of Directors determines it is necessary and prudent to do so, the Foundation will disburse $1,000 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 virus.
Website: https://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/grants/emergency-grants
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FREE JEWISH LOANS
Overview: IAJFL, though a state-specific member organization, offers assistance through a variety of interest-free loan programs.
Requirements: If there is a JFL office in your state, you may be able to qualify for an interest-free loan. There are offices in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland/District of Columbia, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
Additional information: You do not need to be Jewish to apply
Contact Info: Chris Black / 602-230-7983 / info@iajfl.org
Website: http://www.iajfl.org/offices/ – tab-1405309774540-2-8
C A L I F O R N I A
LA MAYOR’S ECONOMIC RELIEF PACKAGE
Overview: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses anchored in the city of Los Angeles can apply for no-fee microloans of $5,000–$20,000 that may be used to cover working capital.
Website: https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/microloan-program
JEWISH FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION – Los Angeles Chapter
Overview: JFLA is an interest-free micro-lending agency. Loans available for those affected by Coronavirus.
Requirements: Must be a resident of LA and Ventura County; Need to show proof of need and will need at least one guarantor.
Additional Information: Applicants do not have to be Jewish to qualify; General loans go up to $10,000.
Contact Info: Sarit Kashanian / 323-761-8836 / info@jfla.org or sarit@jfla.org
Website: https://www.jfla.org/
Tennessee
MUSICARES – Nashville Chapter
Overview: Offers short-term financial assistance
Requirements: Minimum of 5 years of employment in the industry or 6 commercially released recordings or videos.
Additional Information: COVID-19-specific fund has been set up
Contact Info: Stefanie Curtiss / 615-327-0050 / Stefanie.Curtiss@musicares.org / musicaresrelief@musicares.org
Website: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help
OPRY TRUST FUND
Overview: Opry Trust Fund’s mission is to help those in the country music industry when they need it the most, by offering financial assistance during their time of need.
Requirements: Must be an individual who has or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry (i.e. performer, songwriter, publisher, radio, session musician, etc.)
Additional Information: Accepts referrals from Musicares; If you are applying for aid through Musicares, mention that you’d like to apply for the Opry Trust Fund as well. Ask for their referral.
Website: https://www.opry.com/opry-trust-fund/
MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE
Overview: Serves individuals in the entertainment business nationwide in all genres of music who need assistance with: medical bills or health guidance, finding financial grants, affordable health insurance, answers to Medicare questions, and more
Contact Info: info@musichealthalliance.com / (615) 200-6896
Website: https://www.musichealthalliance.com/request-assistance/
ACM LIFTING LIVES DIANE HOLCOMB EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND & ACM LIFTING LIVES
COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
Overview: ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.
Contact Info: Taylor Wolf / liftinglives@acmcountry.com
Websites: ACM Website / Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund Application / ACM Lifting Lives
NASHVILLE MAYOR JOHN COOPER’S COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
Overview: The more than $1 million fund, housed by United Way of Greater Nashville, will deploy resources to community-based organizations.
Additional Information: United Way doesn’t distribute funds directly to individuals. They distribute funds to specific organizations that distribute funds to individuals. Organizations include Needlink Nashville and Rooftop Nashville (more information below)
Contact Info: 615-279-1410
Website: https://www.nashvilleresponsefund.com/individuals
NEEDLINK NASHVILLE
Overview: Can provide short-term support, including assistance with utilities and housing
Requirements: Must be Davidson County resident or NES customer; Bills must be past due
Additional Information: Partially funded by Mayor John Cooper’s COVID-19 Response Fun (hosted by United Way of Greater Nashville)
Website: https://www.needlink.org/get-help
ROOFTOP NASHVILLE
Overview: Provides emergency rental or mortgage assistance
Requirements: Must be a resident of Davidson County
Additional Information: Partially funded by Mayor John Cooper’s COVID-19 Response Fun (hosted by United Way of Greater Nashville)
Website: https://rooftop.secure2.agroup.com/get-help
CITY ROAD CHAPEL’S BAR AND RESTAURANT WORKERS HELP FUND
Overview: Service-industry workers are amongst the hardest hit in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. This is an attempt to help address the needs of those who serve us regularly by providing resources to help ease their burden while they are out of work.
Requirements: Must be a service-industry worker in Nashville; Prove residency and/or employment in the following zip codes: 37115, 37216, 37138, 37206, 37214; Provide a letter from your employer that you are an active employee who has been laid off due to the closings from the COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
Additional Information: Fund is still being developed and not yet ready for applications.
Website: https://cityroadchapel.org/brwf/
New York
NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS EMERGENCY GRANTS
Overview: New York Foundation for the Arts and Robert Rauschenberg Foundation are teaming up to provide emergency medical grants for artists who need help paying for healthcare amid the crisis.
Requirements: Open to visual and media artists, and choreographers; Open to artists who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories; Applicants must demonstrate current and ongoing activity in their artistic discipline/s; Applicants cannot be enrolled in any degree-seeking program.
Additional Information: The grants, expected to be rolled out in late May or early June, will offer artists of all disciplines up to $5,000 of assistance for medical emergencies.
Contact Info: emergencyfunds@nyfa.org
Website: https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Rauschenberg-Emergency-Grants
HEBREW FREE LOAN SOCIETY – New York City Chapter
Overview: Hebrew Free Loan Society is an interest-free micro-lending agency. Loans to support individuals with financial challenges caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Requirements: Must be a resident of NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island
Additional information: You do not need to be Jewish to apply
Contact Info: Ian Shrank & Rabbi David Rosenn / 212-687-0188 / info@hfls.org
Website: https://hfls.org/loan-programs/coronavirusfinancialimpactloan/xx
TOUR SUPPORT, LightHopeLife
Overview: Tens of thousands of live entertainment crew are out of work right now and for the foreseeable future. In an attempt to provide mental health relief in this crucial time, Tour Support is providing free tele-therapy services to those out of work due to the crisis.
Websites: Better Help: Tour Support Individual Application (For Artists touring independently without a crew or band) / Shading The Limelight (Wellness coaching)
BACKLINE
Overview: Backline was established to connect music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness providers.
Additional Information: In the wake of this pandemic, they have established a virtual support group that plans regular meetings via the Zoom app.
U N I T E D K I N G D O M
N A T I O N A L
MUSICIANS’ UNION CORONAVIRUS HARDSHIP FUND
Overview: We are a community of over 32,000 musicians. Protecting our members’ rights and campaigning for a fairer music industry. We are #BehindEveryMusician. MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund is a £1M hardship fund that members with genuine and pressing hardship can apply to.
Requirements: Been in continuous membership of the MU for the last twelve months or more; Is currently paying the full MU membership subscription rate; Is a UK resident; Is suffering genuine hardship from loss of work due to the Coronavirus pandemic; Has not already successfully received a payment from the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund
Additional information: Restricting the individual grants to a maximum of £200 while they monitor the level of applications. MU website also provides COVID-19 advice (Travel support, Financial help, etc.)
Website: Musicians’ Union / Musicians’ Union Hardship Fund
HELP MUSICIANS
Overview: Independent UK charity for professional musicians of all genres, from starting out through to retirement. Many musicians may be fearful of the implications Covid-19 could have on their own health and their performance and teaching commitments, which in turn might have an impact on a range of issues, including finances and mental health.
Requirements: You are a professional working musician (by which we mean performer, composer/creator or directly involved in the production of music, or in work for which the main qualification is a high level of musical training); You are self-employed or currently unemployed; You are in need of financial help; You satisfy our residency requirements; : You are not currently in Further or Higher Education
Additional information: Offers a one-off payment of £500 per applicant.
Contact Info: hardshipfund@helpmusicians.org.uk / 0207 239 9103
Website Click Here
PRS EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
Overview: This money is available to PRS members globally and will be offered in grants of up to £1000 each, depending on need.
Requirements: Have been a PRS writer member for at least two years; Have earned at least £500 of PRS royalties within the last two years; Are suffering genuine hardship from loss of work due to the Coronavirus pandemic
Website: https://www.prsformusic.com/c/emergency-relief-fund
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Overview: The Arts Council understand the impact the Covid-19 crisis is having on all parts of the cultural workforce, so they are looking to provide £4 million from this £20 million budget for grants to benevolent funds targeted at other cultural workers. More information on this will be shared soon.
Additional information: COVID-19 fund application will be open on 30 March. Potential applicants will need to register on their application portal by 3 April. Also, Funding Finder allows you to search for additional funds you can apply for.
Website: Click Here
M E N T A L H E A L T H / S U P P O R T G R O U P S
MUSIC MINDS MATTER
Overview: Help Musicians runs a support line called Music Minds Matter (MMM) available any time of day or night for a listening ear; it doesn’t have to be a crisis. They have trained advisors that are here to listen, support and help at any time. Through calling MMM, eligible musicians can access free face-to-face or telephone counselling, or online
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Requirements: Must be UK resident. If living overseas, but are UK national, you can still call.
Contact Info: 0808 802 8008 / MMM@helpmusicians.org.uk
Website: https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
MUSIC SUPPORT
Overview: A helpline for anyone in the music industry suffering from alcoholism, addiction, emotional or mental health issues.
Contact Info: helpline@musicsupport.org / 0800 030 6789
Website: https://www.musicsupport.org/
ISM
Overview: A 24 hour helpline for ISM members. Counselling (telephone and face to face) can also be arranged through the support line.
Website: https://www.ism.org/advice/ism-counselling-service
MIND
Overview: For urgent help and support. Plus advice on how to support others.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
A U S T R A L I A
N A T I O N A L
AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
Overview: The Australia Council is announcing its first Response Package to support artists, arts practitioners, arts groups and arts organizations coping with the impact of COVID-19.
Additional information: Response package includes: Reporting and other grant conditions relief; Adjustments to Four Year Funding 2021-2024; Suspending current investment programs and introducing new ones focused on immediate relief; An online learning series to assist our sector respond to the crisis; First Nations support; Sector roundtables; Digital support; Sector development initiatives; Research and analysis that will identify immediate and long term impacts of COVID- 19 on Australia’s cultural sector, and the broader public as a result.
Contact Info: enquiries@australiacouncil.gov.au
Website: https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/about/covid-19/
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT – THE TREASURY
Overview: All artists, art practitioners, arts groups and arts organizations should also be looking at the Government’s measures to provide hardship support. The Australian Government is providing financial assistance to Australians.
This assistance includes income support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation.
Additional information: Income support for individuals; Payments to support households; Temporary early release of superannuation; Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates; Reducing social security deeming rates
Website: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
I LOST MY GIG AUSTRALIA
Overview: Bushfires and Coronavirus have led to the cancellation and postponement of hundreds of concerts, conferences, events and festivals across Australia and the rest of the world – with many more events still vulnerable. Many performers, businesses and contractors have lost vital income.
Website: https://ilostmygig.net.au
PAC AUSTRALIA – COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY
Overview: PAC Australia are urgently requesting venues across the country provide initial data to inform the sector wide call to government for emergency funding.
Additional information: Asking for estimated data to report to gov’t for emergency funding
Websites: PAC Website / PAC Impact Survey
MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS ALLIANCE
Overview: MEAA, along with other organizations in these sectors, is calling for targeted industry support and a national scheme of paid leave for any workers who are self-employed, casual or whose employer cannot provide them with paid leave in the event of a stand down.
Additional information: Tell MEAA your story so they can help to build a strong case about the economic, financial and social impact on the arts of coronavirus.
Website: https://www.meaa.org/campaigns/coronavirus/
ARTS QUEENSLAND
Overview: The Individuals Fund is for individual artists and cultural workers (emerging and established) to participate in transformational professional and career development opportunities.
Contact Info: (07) 3034 4016; 1800 175 531 (toll free) / investment@arts.qld.gov.au
CITY OF ADELAIDE – ARTS & CULTURAL GRANTS
Overview: City of Adelaide recognizes the important role that creativity and culture can play in the wellbeing of the community. In support of the creative sector and our city communities we are progressing the Arts and Cultural Grants Program. Given the unknown status about events and the requirements for social distancing we appreciate that some activities may not be able to proceed as planned or at the time nominated. We will be pleased to still receive applications and to be flexible in the assessment process around delivery timeframe, dependent on official
advice at that time.
Contact Info: Natali Rojas Palacio / 0466 946 512 / N.Palacio@cityofadelaide.com.au
Website: Click Here
MUSIC WORKS – QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
Overview: Music Works is the Victorian Government’s four-year, $22.2 million contemporary music funding and support program.
Requirements: Victorian-based professional music practitioners working in contemporary music from all genres and career stages; Victorian-based managers, technicians, venues and small to medium industry organizations.
Contact Info: Aarti Desai / 8683 3163 / aarti.desai@creative.vic.gov.au
Website Click Here
M E N T A L H E A L T H / S U P P O R T G R O U P S
WELLBEING HELPLINE
Overview: The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service that is available to anyone working in Australian music (all genres), or the Australian Performing Arts, who needs to talk to someone about any aspect of their wellbeing.
Contact Info: 1800 959 500 (toll-free within Australia)
Website: https://supportact.org.au/wellbeinghelpline/
A D D I T I O N A L R E S O U R C E S
Billboard: A State-by-State Resource Guide for Music Professionals Who Need Help During Coronavirus Crisis
The New York Times: Your Money: A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis
Pitchfork: How Countries Around the World Fund Music—and Why It Matters
Music Unites Us: Coronavirus Resources for Music Creators
Music Industry Therapists: Guide To Anxiety Relief & Self Isolation
Song Writers of North America (SONA): COVID-19 Emergency Resources
BandZoogle: Funding for musicians: music grants in Canada
