We’ve pulled together a list of music-centric funds that are still actively accepting applications.
As this pandemic continues, AdHoc remains committed to supporting local and up-and-coming artists—whether that be by checking in with our favorite bands to sharing ways fans can help their favorite acts. Since the beginning of March, AdHoc has been compiling and sending out resources through our weekly newsletter, and today—as a part of our continued support for the music community—we’re sharing a list of active funds for musicians and music workers.
We know how hard it can be to access aid, especially at a time when unemployment sites are crashing or experiencing backlogs due to the number of people requesting benefits. A number of funds—such as the Musicians Foundation CV19 Emergency Aid Grant, NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund, and the New Music Solidarity Fund—have had to close applications due to unexpected demand or insufficient funds.
While many of these funds have indicated that they’ll open for a second round of applications in the future, not everyone can wait until then. The first of the month is rapidly approaching, and although New York State has extended its eviction moratorium, neither a rent freeze nor a rent suspension have been instituted.
In an effort to help artists streamline their application process, AdHoc has pulled together a list of funds that are still accepting applications. This list will continue to be updated, so make sure you bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on active funds.
Know of a music-centric fund that’s still accepting applications but isn’t listed here? Email us at editorial@adhoc.fm.
Name: MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund
Organization: Recording Academy
Description: Musicians and music industry professionals may apply for grants up to $1,000 to compensate for cancelled work that was scheduled and lost. Should they receive additional funding, they will evaluate the grant amounts available.
Link: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/covid-19-relief-fund-faq
Name: COVID-19 Fund @ Sweet Relief
Organization: Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Description: Sweet Relief is here to provide immediate assistance and they have created this 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.
Link: https://www.sweetrelief.org/covid-19-fund.html
Name: Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund
Organization: Equal Sound
Description: Musicians who have lost income due to a canceled gig as a result of the coronavirus outbreak can apply to receive money.
Link: https://equalsound.org/musicians-corona-relief-fund-application/
Name: Artist Relief
Organization: Organized by the Academy of American Poets, Artadia, Creative Capital, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, MAP Fund, National YoungArts Foundation, and United States Artists
Description: A coalition of national arts grantmakers launched this $10 million relief fund, which will provide $5,000 grants to artists facing “dire financial emergencies” due to the pandemic. The coalition has also joined forces with Americans for the Arts to co-launch an impact survey to better identify the needs of artists and creative workers.
Link: https://www.artistrelief.org/apply
Name: #MusicUnited
Organization: #MusicUnited
Description: Music workers in need of financial help during the crisis can apply for assistance at this volunteer-run website, which was set up to facilitate peer-to-peer giving.
Link: https://musicunited.me/
Name: Crew Nation
Organization: Live Nation
Description: A fund providing a one-time grant of $1,000 USD for those impacted by COVID-19 to use for personal basic living expenses. For eligibility, you must be a live entertainment touring or venue crew member who makes 50% or more of your income from this field. Crew members are all of the front of house and backstage staff that help bring concerts to life.
Link: https://crewnation.submittable.com/submit
Name: MHA COVID-19/Tornado Relief Grant
Organization: Music Health Alliance
Description: A relief grant for musicians that need immediate financial support for basic living expenses (health insurance/food/health care) during COVID-19.
Link: https://www.musichealthalliance.com/covid-19-resources/
Name: Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund – Local 802 AFM
Organization: Local 802
Description: Local 802 American Federation of Musicians has contracted with The Actors Fund to provide a free, confidential Musicians’ Assistance Program (MAP) for its members and their families. Its goal is to provide the support that will help Local 802 members to perform with the highest artistry and productivity, while minimizing any interruption to their work.
Link: https://erf.local802afm.org
Name: AGMA Relief Fund
Organization: American Guild of Musical Artists
Description: Relief fund for any AGMA member in good standing.
Link: https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/agma-relief-fund/
Name: The Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
Organization: Arts Administrators of Color Network
Description: Artists or arts administrators who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) may apply for this $200 micro grant.
Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4AazvLFVUNAgXoxqBqfZ7jJVkrMroa-CET6Vt6XygR-CaQ/viewform
Name: FCA Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund
Organization: Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Description: The New York-based foundation has created a temporary fund for experimental artists of all disciplines who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. It is disbursing one-time $1,000 grants to artists who have had performances canceled or postponed.
Link: https://foundationforcontemporaryarts.submittable.com/submit/b9feb8b2-3b40-4a12-bee3-b0e71294d17f/fca-emergency-grants-covid-19-fund
Name: ALJA Emergency Artist Fund
Organization: Afro Latin Jazz Alliance
Description: The Afro Latin Jazz Alliance Emergency Artist Fund provides assistance to musicians and other performing artists facing the unexpected hardship of lost income from canceled shows and/or classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund will prioritize artists in New York and New Jersey from the Afro Latin and Latin Jazz musical community. Requires Proof of Address and Proof of Cancelled Gigs.
Link: http://www.afrolatinjazz.org/alba-emergency-artist-fund/
Name: HART Fund
Organization: The Blues Foundation
Description: The fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns.
Link: https://blues.org/hart-fund/
Name: Bluegrass Trust Fund
Organization: International Bluegrass Music Association
Description: A fund that offers financial assistance to bluegrass music professionals in time of emergency need.
Link: https://ibma.org/bluegrass-trust-fund/
Name: CORPUS Family Mutual Aid Fund
Organization: CORPUS
Description: The fund is for CORPUS artists and people working in the New York City experimental/DIY music community that are reliant on live shows, and have been financially impacted by COVID-19. The fund prioritizes CORPUS artists, NYC natives, artists/musicians performing in NYC, Black, Brown and Indigenous people, queer/GNC/trans people, disabled people, single parents, essential workers, low-income renters facing eviction, DIY venue organizers and staff, community organizers, people that do not benefit from government aid (i.e. undocumented residents, sex workers, etc), and people who are economically independent (i.e. pay their own rent).
Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/corpus-family-mutual-aid-fund
Name: NYC Nightlife United Fund
Organization: NYC Nightlife United
Description: The rapid-response fund is for NYC-based small businesses, venues, and individuals who work within the city’s nightlife and cultural spaces.
Link: https://nycnightlifeunited.com/