While our COVID-19 relief fund is still growing (want to donate? click here), we want to share other places Memphis artists can apply for aid. Listed below are several organizations offering avenues for artist support.
- Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19 – https://www.artistrelief.org/
- Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund for Musicians with Cancelled Work; this fund was started by Equal Sound, a 501c3 in Los Angeles that is providing aid to all musicians on a gig-by-gig basis for cancelled performances. https://equalsound.org/musicians-corona-relief-fund-application/
- Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has set up a COVID-19 application for all those who make at least 50% of their income as a working musician. https://www.sweetrelief.org/request-assistance.html
- The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, sponsored by the Recording Academy, is awarding grants up to $1,000 for lost work due to coronavirus for musicians with at least 3 years of employment in the music industry. Application information: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund
- Artist Relief Tree has set up a fund for COVID-19 Relief for any and all artists, and they have been overwhelmed with requests for aid. Memphis musicians can go ahead and stick your name on their waitlist to be next in line when they can start funding more applicants. https://artistrelieftree.com/request-funding/
- The Musicians Foundation has another fund Memphis musicians can apply to for COVID-19 relief. They have also been overwhelmed with requests, but you can still apply & be put on the waitlist here: http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/apply/
- For artists currently suffering from COVID-19, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund is granting money specifically for medical assistance to those who have become infected. https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/craft-emergency-relief-fund/
STATE AND FEDERAL SUPPORT
Enhanced unemployment
If most of your income came from playing music, musicians are eligible for the increased unemployment benefits (additional $600/week). This also applies to freelancers and other independent contractors. Click here to apply in Tennessee.
SBA: Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. Learn More
For more
Our friends at Epicenter also have a TON of resources aggregated for small businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and more. Much of it applies to musicians. Check it out here.