NSAI To Offer Songwriter Grants Through Newly-Launched Writer Foundation

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has launched a non-profit organization, the WRITER Foundation (We’re Ready In Time of Emergency Relief). The foundation will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, May 13 at noon CT for $1,000 assistance grants. Songwriters can apply for the grant at writerfoundation.org and grants will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis to applicants who meet qualifications. Applicants do not need to be an NSAI member to qualify. Any professional writer or composer in the United State is eligible except for NSAI and WRITER Foundation Board Members.

“We created the WRITER Foundation after receiving a generous grant from SONY/ATV,” said WRITER Foundation Treasurer Bart Herbison. “Songwriters are in great need now since the live segment of the global music industry has essentially shut down. Performance royalty income will be dramatically affected. Advertising revenues have dropped precipitously also impacting songwriter royalties. And songwriters who perform or produce songs have witnessed those income streams dwindle.”

To be eligible, a songwriter/composer must qualify as a “professional,” defined as “currently earn the majority of their annual income from songwriting or related activities.” The WRITER Foundation application for the grants will ask writers to provide a written explanation of how their income has been adversely impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to limited available grant money, the application asks that writers do not apply unless they need the funds to subsist.

The new WRITER Foundation Board of Directors members will review the applications, including Josh Osborne, Lori McKenna, Jennifer Turnbow, Bart Herbison, Tim Nichols, Erika Wollam-Nichols and Jimmy Yeary.

The WRITER Foundation has received donations from the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation and Concord Music Publishing. Sony/ATV CEO Jon Platt made the initial contribution.

Jessica Nicholson
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