A State-by-State Resource Guide for Music Professionals Who Need Help During Coronavirus Crisis (Updating)

The coronavirus pandemic has left countless members of the music community facing an uncertain future, as festivals and tours are canceled, studio sessions are called off and business travel is restricted. To help music professionals and their loved ones navigate the crisis, Billboard has compiled a list of resources at both the national and state levels, including more than four dozen relief funds.

“We recognize that this fund will only be part of the solution for most families, and will stand alongside Mayor Cantrell and the City Council to aggressively fight for additional resources as the federal response is solidified,” NOLABA president & CEO Quentin Messer Jr. said in the statement. “To our neighbors throughout New Orleans, we see you, we support you, and we will get through this together.”

Note: While we have also included general resources that may be especially useful during this time, an asterisk indicates that the resource is coronavirus-specific. This is a living article, which will be updated regularly.

Notice something missing? Send additional resources for inclusion to covidresources@billboard.com.

National:

American Association of Independent Music
A2IM is surveying indie music companies about how the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting their businesses. The results will inform the organization’s discussions with the New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, as well as its investigations of federal assistance programs.

American Federation of Musicians
The AFM is calling on Congress to provide immediate economic relief on behalf of musicians and other working people in the midst of the crisis, including expanded unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures and utility shut-offs. The organization has a resource page providing more information. Additionally, disabled AFM members can apply for financial aid through its longstanding Petrillo Memorial Fund.

American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund
Any AGMA member in good standing is invited to apply for financial assistance under the AGMA Relief Fund, which has temporarily doubled the amount of assistance available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund
Any AGMA member in good standing is invited to apply for financial assistance under the AGMA Relief Fund, which has temporarily doubled the amount of assistance available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Artist Relief Tree*
Anyone who is an artist can request funds from the Artist Relief Tree, which plans to fulfill every request with a flat $250 on a first-come-first-serve basis. The fund is currently not accepting new requests until it can secure more funding, but if you would like to be informed if and when the opportunity becomes available again, click here.

Backline
Backline was established to connect music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness providers. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has established a virtual support group that plans to meet regularly via the Zoom app.

Blues Foundation HART Fund
The HART Fund helps underinsured or uninsured blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a range of health concerns.

Convertkit Creative Fund*
What began as a $50,000 fund for active creators experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 has now reached $154,000 in funding. The fund covers up to $500 per creator to help cover medical, childcare, housing or grocery needs. As of March 18, the fund has received more than 6,000 applications, and the website notes, “Our current fund will be exhausted well before we can get to everyone.”

COVID-19 Music Production Response Group*
A Facebook group meant as an “open forum for constructive debate about the effects of COVID-19 on music production industry professionals,” according to administrators. Its nearly 4,000 members (as of March 18) are sharing news updates, suggested actions, job opportunities and other resources.

COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks (GoFundMe)*
This more than $70,000 fund prioritizes LGBTQI+, non-binary, gender fluid and gender non-conforming people of color whose livelihoods have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The first round of funding closed on March 17, but organizers say they plan to continue to raise funds through mid-April.

Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund*
Equal Sound, an organization that strives to break down traditional genre boundaries through events and advocacy, is inviting musicians who have lost income due to the pandemic to apply for funds. Applicants must provide proof they had a confirmed concert cancelled over the coronavirus to receive the money.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program*
In response to the pandemic, Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses around the world, including music and live events businesses. More details to come (you can sign up for updates here). Facebook also has a new Business Resource Hub to help small businesses prepare for and manage disruptions like COVID-19.

Freelance Coop Emergency Fund*
The Freelance Coop, which connects creative freelancers with business resources, created an emergency fund for freelancers adversely affected by the pandemic. Examples of funding usage are unexpected childcare costs due to school closures, client cancellations, and medical expenses due to the virus itself. As of March 18, the fund had $35,279 in requests and $5,299.69 raised, and is continuing to call for donations to keep up with demand.

Gospel Music Trust Fund
Individuals working in the gospel music field can submit a request for financial assistance to the Gospel Music Trust Fund, which grants funding in the event “of an emergency or major catastrophe, terminal or severe illness,” according to their website.

International Bluegrass Music Association’s BlueGrass Trust Fund
Current or former bluegrass music professionals can apply here for financial grants and loans, which are generally between $500 and $5,000. The association has also created a coronavirus-specific resource page.

Jazz Foundation of America Musicians’ Emergency Fund
This fund offers financial support, housing assistance and pro bono medical care for musicians who have made a living playing blues, jazz and roots music.

Leveler.info*
The “peer-to-peer wealth distribution” service is a tool for salaried workers to donate funds across a database of freelancers, service industry and gig economy workers who are impacted by coronavirus health and safety restrictions.

Missed Tour*
Artists and bands who have been displaced from touring due to the pandemic can list their merchandise on this site to help offset lost revenue — with zero charges or fees. Apply to be added to the site here.

MusiCares*
The Recording Academy and its charitable foundation MusiCares have committed $2 million in total to a COVID-19 Relief Fund, established to assist those in the music community who have been affected by the pandemic. People can donate and apply for assistance by navigating to the fund’s official web page.

Music Health Alliance
The Nashville-based Music Health Alliance provides healthcare support services to uninsured members of the music industry.

Musicians Foundation
The New York-based nonprofit established a new emergency grant program in response to the pandemic, offering all eligible applicants up to $200 each. After receiving an “immense volume of applications,” the foundation placed a temporary hold on all applications on March 13. Check this page for updates.

Music Maker Relief Foundation
The foundation, which provides ongoing support to American artists 55 and older who live in chronic poverty, also gives out emergency grants to artists in crisis. It is now soliciting donations to ensure the stability of vulnerable elderly musicians during the pandemic.

NOMAD Fundraiser for the Touring Crew (GoFundMe)*
Touring manager Frank Fanelli is aiming to raise $20,000 for touring crew members and roadies who have lost income due to gig cancellations and postponements. Donations close at the end of March.

Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Assistance League
PAL provides financial assistance to elderly musicians for medical and living expenses. Preference is given to blues artists, though musicians in other genres may be eligible depending on available funds.

SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Disaster Fund*
SAG-AFTRA members who are in an emergency financial crisis related to coronavirus may request assistance to cover basic expenses like rent, mortgage, utilities and medical bills. To apply to the fund, members must have paid their dues through October 2019.

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
The Small Business Administration has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for economic injury disaster loans. However, you must be located in a “declared disaster area” to apply for assistance. Check if your state qualifies here.

Sound Royalties*
In light of the crisis, music finance firm Sound Royalties is allocating $20 million to offer a no-cost royalty advance funding option through April 16. Songwriters, performing artists, producers and other creators with royalty income can apply for cash advances on a one-year repayment schedule, cost-free.

Sweet Relief COVID-19 Fund*
Sweet Relief has established a donor-directed fund to be used specifically for musicians and music industry workers affected by the coronavirus. Funds will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses for those who get sick or lose work due to the pandemic.

Tour Support*
Tour Support, a mental health nonprofit for the live music industry, is offering independent touring contractors whose tours have been postponed or cancelled one month of free online therapy through Better Help (apply here). In addition, Shading the Limelight is offering the Tour Support community two free weeks (March 17–28) of emotional wellness coaching (email shajjar@shadingthelimelight.com for an appointment). Check the Tour Support Twitter for more updates to come.

Viral Music — Because Kindness is Contagious*
Independent musicians are invited to use this more than 21,000-member Facebook support group to connect with music fans. “Use this joint to post links to your merch store, online shows, Patreon, or online music lessons,” organizers write. “If you’ve had a gig cancelled, post the city and your Venmo/PayPal — many of us would love to pass along our ticket refunds to you.”

AudioAssemble.com*
AudioAssmeble.com has put together a list of online remote opportunities for musicians that are available for U.S.-based musicians during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their financial resources page has short-term and long-term job opportunities, as well as governmental resources to help musicians generate revenue. Check out their growing list here.

Alabama:

Alaska:

Arizona:

Tucson Musicians COVID19 Relief (GoFundMe)*
With a $25,000 goal, this local fund is focusing on individual artists only (not bands, groups or organizations).

Arkansas:

California:

LA Mayor’s Economic Relief Package*
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses anchored in the city of Los Angeles can apply for no-fee microloans of $5,000–$20,000 that may be used to cover working capital. The program will offer relaxed underwriting with no credit score minimum, a generous allowance to meet debt service and a 100% loan-to-value ratio. Small businesses can apply here.

Music Fund of Los Angeles Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund*
Los Angeles-based members of the AFM who have lost revenue due to work stoppages in light of coronavirus may submit an application for up to two service sets lost, in the amount of $75 per service set, for a maximum total of $150.

Opera San José Artists and Musicians Relief Fund*
The opera company has set up an emergency cash reserve to support the “musicians, singers, carpenters, stitchers, designers and other hourly company members” that make its productions possible.

Colorado:

Connecticut:

Delaware:

Florida:

Georgia:

Hawaii:

Idaho:

Illinois:

Chicago Artists Relief Fund (GoFundMe)*
An independent group of artists in the Chicago area is more than halfway to its goal of raising $50,000 for local artists impacted by the crisis (including not just musicians but painters, dancers, actors and more). Due to overwhelming response, applications have been temporarily suspended; check the application page for updates.

Chicago Blues Revival
Chicago Blues Revival has set up a website called Pay the Musicians with links to live performances by some of the city’s great blues players and their PayPal IDs so fans can donate money they might have spent going to a concert directly to musicians. Fans can also donate directly to Chicago Blue Revival, which will distribute the funds to all the musicians evenly.

Indiana:

Iowa:

Kansas:

Kentucky:

Louisiana:

New Orleans Business Alliance Fund for Gig Economy Workers*
The New Orleans Business Alliance has committed $100,000 to initiate a relief fund for gig economy workers impacted by the pandemic, with a goal of increasing the fund’s assets to at least $500,000 by soliciting the help of business leaders, philanthropists and other New Orleanians.

Maine:

Maryland:

Massachusetts (Boston):

Boston Artist Relief Fund*
In partnership with the Boston Center for the Arts, the City of Boston has established an artist relief fund that will award grants of $500 and $1,000 to individual artists living in Boston whose “creative practices and incomes” are being negatively affected by the pandemic. Priority will be given to lower-income artists as well as those who have not received funds from city-led grants during the current fiscal year.

Boston Music Maker Relief Fund*
The Record Co. has established a fund to provide financial relief to music makers living in Boston who have lost revenue due to gig cancellations over the coronavirus. Grants of up to $200 will be made available to applicants who meet the criteria.

Boston Singers’ Resource COVID-19 Emergency Relief*
The career services nonprofit is offering one-time grants of up to $500 for New England-based classical singers who have lost income due to coronavirus-related cancellations. The deadline for the first round of grants is April 1.

Michigan:

Michigan Music Alliance Artist Relief Fund*
Applications open March 20 for this fund, which will support Michigan-based musical artists who have lost income due to coronavirus-related gig cancellations. People can either donate directly or buy T-shirts and beanies, with proceeds from the sales going directly toward the fund. Musicians suffering from severe financial impact and immediate need will be prioritized.

Minnesota:

Springboard for the Arts Personal Emergency Relief Fund
Nonprofit Springboard for the Arts has committed an additional $10,000 to its emergency fund, and expanded guidelines to include lost income due to coronavirus-related gig cancellations. Artists based in Minnesota can request up to $500 to compensate for canceled work that was scheduled and lost. The organization’s homepage also links to several resources, including a guide to principles for ethical event cancellation.

Twin Cities Music Community Trust’s Entertainment Industry Relief Fund*
This fund is for local, individual industry workers and musicians in need of financial assistance due to the crisis. Apply here.

Mississippi:

Missouri:

Montana:

Nebraska:

Nevada:

New Hampshire:

New Jersey:

New Mexico:

New Mexico Musicians Relief Fund Amid COVID-19 (GoFundMe)*
Freelance classical musician and music educator Thomas Goodrich organized this fund, with a goal of raising $30,000 to help New Mexico musicians who have been financially impacted by coronavirus-related cancellations. Priority will be given to artists of color, LGBTQ and non-binary artists, and disabled artists. Apply here.

New York:

AFM Local 802 Musicians Emergency Relief Fund
The Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund, administered by the Musicians’ Assistance Program, has earmarked a “significant portion” of its cash reserves to assist freelance members who have had engagements filed under a local union agreement cancelled due to the coronavirus. The fund will distribute a flat fee of $150 to those who are approved for relief.

Lost My Gig NYC*
This site keeps a running list of NYC freelancers working in the events industry who are in need of financial assistance due to the crisis, allowing people to donate directly to those individuals through their Venmo, CashApp and Paypal accounts. Apply to have your name added to the list here.

NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund (GoFundMe)*
As of March 18, this fund has raised more than $36,000 for NYC-based low-income, BIPOC, trans, gender noncomforming, nonbinary and queer artists and freelancers whose livelihoods are being effected by the pandemic. In order to meet demand, the fund has temporarily paused applications for funding. Those who have already applied will be informed about fund distribution by March 20.

New York Foundation for the Arts Rauschenberg Emergency Grants
The New York Foundation for the Arts and Robert Rauschenberg Foundation are teaming up to provide emergency medical grants for artists who need help paying for healthcare amid the crisis. The grants, expected to be rolled out in late May or early June, will offer artists of all disciplines up to $5,000 of assistance for medical emergencies. Apply here.

New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment
The MOME website offers information and services including a survey for nightlife workers, freelancers and businesses impacted by COVID-19; a link to Small Business Services, which is offering assistance and guidance for local businesses; and information for public meetings and gatherings.

North Carolina:

Durham Artist Relief Fund*
Durham-based artists, arts presenters and arts venues in need of funds due to coronavirus-related cancellations can apply here for financial assistance, with priority given to to BIPOC artists, transgender and nonbinary artists and disabled artists.

NC Artists Relief Fund*
This fund is a collaboration between Artspace, PineCone, United Arts Council and VAE Raleigh to support creative individuals in North Carolina who have been financially impacted by gig cancellations due to the pandemic. Apply for funds here.

North Dakota:

Ohio:

Columbus Artists Relief Fund (GoFundMe)*
The Columbus Artists Relief Fund GoFundMe campaign is raising money to help offset the financial impact felt by Columbus artists through lost work. This is open to individual artists in central Ohio. Priority will be given to artists who are black, indigenous or people of color, transgender or nonbinary or disabled, but the goal is to try to help as many artists with need in the greater Columbus-area as possible.

Oklahoma:

Red Dirt Relief Fund*
The Red Dirt Relief Fund has offered financial assistance to Oklahoma music professionals in times of need since 2012. It has pledged $50,000 to a new coronavirus relief fund, offering one-time emergency grants of up to $250 on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply for a grant here.

Oregon:

COVID-19 Oregon Musicians Relief Fund (GoFundMe)*
This fund organized by the Jeremy Wilson Foundation is raising $25,000 to go toward medical expenses, lodging, food and other vital living expenses for musicians based in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, impacted by sickness or loss of work due to the pandemic. Once funds are secured, the foundation will share information on how to apply for assistance.

Pennsylvania:

Greater Pittsburgh Art Council Emergency Fund For Artists*
The Greater Pittsburgh Art Council is expanding its emergency fund to provide grants of up to $500 to local artists experiencing loss of income due to the coronavirus outbreak.

PGH Artist Emergency Fund (GoFundMe)*
This fund has surpassed its goal of raising $15,000 to help local artists affected by gig cancellations pay their rent, buy groceries and other essentials. Apply for funding here.

Rhode Island:

South Carolina:

South Dakota:

Tennessee:

Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund
Since its inception in 1965, this fund set up by the iconic Nashville concert hall has distributed more than $2 million to members of the country music industry to cover medical bills, living expenses, rent or mortgage payments and more in times of crisis. Applications are open to any individuals who are or have been employed full-time in a facet of the music industry (including performers, songwriters, publishers, radio session musicians and others).

Nashville Musicians AFM Local 257
Members of the Nashville chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) have access to its Local 257 Emergency Relief Fund for financial assistance, as well as access to group health insurance through Sound Healthcare.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s COVID-19 Response Fund*
The more than $1 million fund, housed by United Way of Greater Nashville and chaired by former Senator Dr. Bill Frist, will deploy resources to community-based organizations. Funding decisions will be made by an advisory committee including former Sony Music Nashville CEO Joe Galante.

Music Export Memphis*
Music Export Memphis has started a COVID-19 Emergency relief fund for local musicians who have lost income because of cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. To qualify, those applying must be a musician who lives in Memphis and can provide some proof of lost income from COVID-19. To learn more or donate head here.

Texas:

Austin Texas Musicians
The musician advocacy nonprofit formed by local artist Nakia Reynoso is working to secure relief funds and resources for musicians. In the meantime, it has created a continually-updated resource list.

Banding Together ATX (GoFundMe)*
This fund was set up by the Red River Cultural District alliance specifically to support those in the Austin live music community who have been economically impacted by the cancellation of South By Southwest. That includes venues, artists, hospitality workers and others who rely on annual income from SXSW to make ends meet — those who fall under that category, may apply for funds here.

Dallas Artist Relief Fund
Creating Our Future is a group of artists and arts advocates in Dallas who are raising money to support artists and freelancers who are taking financial hits as a result of closures and lost income from COVID-19. The GoFundMe campaign has set a goal of $5,000 to raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk. The support is aimed at helping support for low-income, BIPOC, trans/GNC/NB/Queer artists who can apply here.

Housing Opportunities For Musicians And Entertainers
HOME provides financial housing assistance for needy aging musicians in Austin with grant assistance and other support, including referrals to additional available resources.

I Lost My Gig*
Designed to benefit Austin locals who lost work due to SXSW’s cancellation, I Lost My Gig is currently soliciting donations. As of Sunday (March 15), it had already received over 750 submissions representing over $4.2 million in lost income.

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
HAAM provides access to affordable healthcare for low-income musicians living in Austin.

Texas Music Office
Though the office isn’t offering benefits itself, it can help music workers affected by the pandemic apply for the state’s disaster unemployment assistance, which extends unemployment benefits to those who don’t traditionally qualify.

Texas Workforce Commission
Texas residents can submit an application for unemployment benefits here.

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
This centralized guide was created for small businesses and nonprofits in Texas who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and are looking to apply for SBA loans. Those who have suffered “substantial economic injury” from COVID-19 may be eligible for economic injury disaster loans of up to $2 million.

Austin Community Foundation’s Stand With Austin Fund*
Established in partnership with the Entrepreneurs Foundation, the fund was set up to support nonprofits assisting vulnerable individuals and small businesses affected by SXSW’s cancellation.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area
WFS, the nonprofit governing body for the regional workforce, is offering layoff support both for businesses and workers in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Utah:

Vermont:

Virginia:

Washington, D.C.:

Mutual Aid Project*
The D.C.-based arts platform and network is assisting black and non-white trans and gender expansive artists by offering a “voluntary exchange of services and resources.” With musicians and other artists continuing to lose gigs during the pandemic, the organization is building an artist directory to showcase the work of those affected. Once the directory is complete, the organization will extend a “call to action” to the larger community for support.

Washington:

Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund*
Hosted by the Seattle Foundation, the COVID-19 Response Fund provides flexible resources to organizations working with communities that have been “disproportionately impacted” by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund, which as of March 18 had already raised over $12 million, will award one-time operating grants to those organizations to help affected populations, including gig economy workers.

Seattle Artists Relief Fund (GoFundMe)*
Seattle-based author and artist Ijeoma Oluo and others organized this fundraiser, which helps those who have been financially impacted by cancellations due to COVID-19. Priority is given to BIPOC artists, transgender and nonbinary artists and disabled artists. Apply for funds here.

Seattle Music Teachers Fund (GoFundMe)*
Seattle-based music teachers are eligible to receive money from this fund (which has a goal of $5,000) to help with lost income due to canceled lessons and other non-performance music work. Apply for funds here.

Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare
SMASH helps connect Seattle musicians to healthcare, dental services and health education.

Musicians’ Association of Seattle Emergency Relief Fund
Members of AFM’s Seattle chapter who have experienced a period of “uninvited financial hardship” can apply for financial assistance by contacting the chapter’s secretary/treasurer Warren Johnson at warren@local76-493.org.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s Arts Stabilization Fund*
In addition to donating $50,000 to the Seattle Artists Relief Fund and another $50,000 to the Artist Trust COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund, the city’s mayor has launched a $1 million Arts Stabilization Fund to help mitigate revenue losses due to the moratorium on events and public gatherings.

West Virginia:

Wisconsin:

Wyoming:

***

Read the full article here.