Updated October 8, 2020

A silver lining…

The disastrous impact of the global health pandemic has given us an opportunity to dive deep and identify amazing organizations who share our mission of supporting the musicians we love. Below is a running list of grants and resources available, which we will be updating on a regular basis. If you know of an artist in need, please share this information with them. If you know of any more grants or organizations we should add to this list, please let us know at rootfire [at] rootfire [dot] net. The music will get us through!!

Artist Relief: For musicians in dire need. Applications for Cycle VII are now open, closing at 11:59pmET on October 21. Before applying, we ask that applicants self-evaluate whether they are experiencing dire financial emergencies during this time and make space for those most urgently in need. Due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we define “dire financial emergencies” as the lack or imminent endangerment of essentials such as housing, medicine, childcare, and food. We are aware that each artist’s needs differ, so ask that you thoroughly and accurately describe your situation. Applicants should demonstrate a pressing and critical need for emergency support to be considered for this grant.

Red Bull Arts Microgrant Program: The adapted Microgrant program will award two $1000 grants each month to artists in 20 select cities across the United States. These funds are meant to support artists in continuing their work however they see fit in this difficult moment.

Hardly Strictly Music Relief Fund: American roots musicians living in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, and Sonoma Counties are invited to apply for up to $2,000 in one-time, unrestricted support.

The Crew Nation Fund: Seeks to help support live music crews who are essential to the fabric of live touring and have been directly impacted as shows are put on pause due to COVID-19. Crew members can apply for financial assistance, access a global list of mental health resources, and receive some guidance on navigating social services in countries around the world.

CCI: The Investing in Artists grants program is designed to support diverse working artists in the Bay Area in the performing arts and media arts, which includes the disciplines of dance, music, musical theatre, opera, theatre, video, film, and animation, to name a few. As such, applicants representing a wide range of cultural expressions and artistic practices in the performing arts and media arts are encouraged to apply.

MusiCares: The charity arm of the GRAMMYs, MusiCares is providing grants of up to $1,000 to individuals within the entertainment industry. Eligible artists have at least 3 years of employment in the music industry, and/or 6 commercially released recordings, and/or 6 promotionally released music videos. 

Musicians Foundation: Grants range from $500-3,000 and professional musicians that have been established in the U.S. for at least five years are eligible to submit. 

Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund: Equal Sound is offering grants of up to $500 per canceled performance. Musicians can upload a contract showing a canceled date and be qualified to receive this grant. Already submitted? Once you receive your first grant, you can apply again. 

Backline: Need someone to talk to? Backline is the music industry’s mental health & wellness resource hub.

Foundation for Contemporary Arts: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program. Distributing relief packages up to $1,000 for artists who had performances and exhibitions canceled. The board of directors will determine the grants on a case by case basis. 

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund: Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. In other words, Healing Musicians in Need.

Arts and Culture Leaders of Color: Available to BIPOC based in the U.S. in any part of the artistic industries. 

Springboard for the Arts’ Personal Emergency Relief Fund: Artists based in Minnesota can apply for a grant of up to $500 for canceled work. Additionally, those interested in starting their own emergency relief fund can turn to Springboard for the Arts for guidance in setting it up.

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation: Available for Denver based arts organizations, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is providing grants of up to $6,000 to non-profit arts and culture organizations. These grants are supporting dance, film, and music companies.

Arts Council England: Available to U.K. based artists, the Arts Council England has reallocated funds to provide grants to individuals and organizations in the cultural sector. The application will be available soon.

Symphonic Distribution: Musicians can apply to have their music featured on Symphonic’s website with a Venmo and Paypal link. Additionally, a Spotify widget is embedded to help drive streams.

SoundGirls (FOR TOURING PERSONNEL): Specific to live production workers, techs that are out of work are able to apply for assistance.