MusiCares Temporarily Halts COVID-19 Relief Fund Aid Applications

In March, MusiCares—the charitable arm of the Recording Academy—launched its COVID-19 Relief Fund to help music industry members and artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the fund launched, MusiCares has raised nearly $14 million in aid and has approved 20,200 individuals to receive assistance—more than double the number of people the charitable arm typically serves in one year.

However, on Thursday evening (April 30), the organization released a statement noting it has had to temporarily stop accepting new applications for aid through the COVID-19 Relief Fund, as request for aid has exceeded funds available.

The Recording Academy provided the following statement to MusicRow:

The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating to our music community and the need for relief remains dire. While we are incredibly grateful for all the support we have received and are humbled to be in a position to help those who are so desperately in need, the fight to help those struggling in our community is far from over.

Since forming in March, the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised nearly $14 million dollars to aid thousands of music industry professionals affected by the pandemic. It is the largest amount of money raised, with the most recipients helped, for any single event in our history. To date this year, we’ve vetted and approved 20,200 individuals to receive assistance. For context, that’s more than double the number of music people we typically serve in one year. But, there’s still so much work to be done.

Unfortunately, until we can raise more money for our COVID-19 Relief Fund, we can no longer accept new applications from those seeking assistance. While our goal is always to provide support to everyone in need, we are currently bound by the funds available.

We aren’t giving up and continue to work relentlessly to raise additional funds, while furthering our commitment to provide leadership in other ways. These initiatives include continuing our advocacy work in Washington D.C., providing guidance for artists as they navigate this new territory, and fostering discussions with a broad group of leaders about the future of our industry.

As an industry and a community, this is one of the most trying times we’ve ever faced, but we know that music can unite us in our struggle to console, entertain and provide some levity during dark times. We are committed to facing the challenges ahead alongside all those who have and will join our cause.

Donations to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund can be made at grammy.com.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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