Musician Relief Funds in 2021

As we all know, the coronavirus pandemic has hit the music industry hard. Many artists are struggling to make ends meet—we’re sure some of our readers can relate to this struggle. Luckily, there are still a number of organizations who are providing covid relief funding for musicians. Read below for some examples and links to apply.

1. The Actors Fund, working with other entertainment industry organizations, offers grants available to all people working in performing arts and entertainment, not just musicians. These grants are designed to provide immediate financial support to both union and non-union workers. Check out their website for a list of all their grants and requirements. You may be eligible for multiple!
2. The Arts Administrators of Color Network organized the Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund in support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists and administrators (consultants, facilitators, box office staff, seasonal/temporary employees, etc.) who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. If you’re a BIPOC artist who either performs or teaches, you may be eligible to apply for this $200 grant. Check out their GoFundMe page if you’re interested in applying or donating. As of now, are accepting funds indefinitely.
3. The IBMA Trust Fund provides emergency funding for eligible bluegrass professionals (i.e. musicians, broadcasters, media representatives, event producers, agents, educators, managers, record label employees, etc.). You don’t have to be a member to apply, and there are two separate applications for the COVID relief fund and their standard fund. The applications and more info can be found on their website.
4. The Jazz Foundation of America established a COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund to help musicians (of any genre) and their families with basic expenses. You can donate or fill out the contact form on their website to begin the application process.
5. The Grand Ole Opry’s Opry Trust Fund is designed to aid country music professionals with expenses including medical care, rent/mortgages, living expenses, and utilities. Visit their website for more information and a link to contact them to apply.
6. MusiCares has offered financial assistance to thousands of artists and music industry professionals with their COVID-19 Relief. If you’d like to apply, check out their resources page for a link to an email to request an application. They have also provided several other resources for other needs, like mental health, eviction issues, food/general necessities, etc.
7. The Musician’s Foundation established a CV19 Emergency Relief Aid Grant for professional performers, educators, and composers requiring financial support. See if you’re eligible and apply on their website for this grant of up to $200.
8. Sweet Relief has organized a donor-directed Musicians Fund for musicians and industry professionals negatively impacted by the pandemic, and provides support for medical expenses, lodging, clothes, food, and other vital living expenses. Check out their website for more information and how to apply or donate.