Solo artists or bands can receive up to 40% of the cost of the merch (or up to 60% when using a Preferred Partner) to support the creation of merchandise (tee shirts, koozies, CD pressing, vinyl records, etc.). The maximum grant amount for this program is $1,000. The money must be spent with a Memphis-based business or service provider and must be paid directly to the service provider on the artist’s behalf.

ELIGIBILITY

• All applicants must meet MEM’s eligibility requirements. Applicants to ANY Music Export Memphis grant or opportunity must have a complete and updated artist profile to be eligible.
• Merch Fund grants are competitive. If applicants wish to receive the maximum award possible for their application, they should ensure they provide all required information and answer questions in detail. Applicants should explain the potential impact of the merch order, make a case for why they should receive support and how they rep our city.
• Applicants must submit an official invoice from the business in the application process. Merch Fund grants can be spent with a provider at any stage in product development, from the graphic designer to the printer or manufacturer.
• Applicants who use a Merch Fund Preferred Partner may receive a grant greater than 50% of project cost.
• When reasonable, artists who receive a Merch Fund grant will be asked to donate one item produced with the grant to MEM for use in upcoming silent auctions or donor giveaways.
• There is no limit to the number of times an artist can be funded, with an annual cap of $2,000.

REQUIRED: In addition to submitting this application, CLICK HERE to upload an invoice, estimate or quote/scope of work from the Memphis vendor/business you will work with on this merch project. Please ensure the file(s) include your name.

Artists approved for a Merch Fund grant will be required to supply documentation as follows.

• An invoice from the Memphis-based business or service provider with details on the items or services ordered
• Photo and description of the finished merch

If payment has already been made to the provider and you would like to request that we consider a grant for reimbursement, please contact us at info@musicexportmemphis.org.