COVID-19 Resource Links for Composers and Songwriters

During this unprecedented time of uncertainty and isolation, the livelihoods of many creatives are now compromised. Listed below are various support resources available to composers and songwriters. While these may not be absolutely definitive lists, we’ve done our best to collate information that will be of most use to our membership.

This list will be updated on a regular basis as new resources are made known.

Best Regards, and Stay Safe –
The SCL

Performing Rights Organizations:

ASCAP, BMI, & SESAC are creating a special fund as part of the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund to support music creators affected by coronavirus. While the Relief Fund was created to help all music industry workers, the fund collected from PROs will be focused on helping their respective songwriters, composers and lyricists. Read more in this Variety article.

SCL members can apply for MusiCares relief here.

If you need help filling out the online form, click here.

National Emergency Resources for Artists:

• Under the $2 trillion relief package, self-employed musicians, music creators, and music support crew who make under $100,000 annually are eligible to apply for relief grants and loans such as Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants.
• The package gives an additional $75 million to the National Endowment for the Arts, an independent federal agency that provides grants to state arts agencies, local leaders, and other federal agencies to promote the arts.
• Under sections of the stimulus bill some self-employed music creators may be able to file for unemployment benefits, depending on the state. New unemployment benefits offer $600 a week for four months.

Additional ways music professionals can seek assistance at National level:

• MusiCares, a nonprofit benefit arm of the Recording Academy, launched a COVID-19 relief fund earlier this month. Grant assistance for basic living can be made up to $1,000. Qualifying professionals must show proof of canceled gigs. More information at grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund.
• Grand Ole Opry trust fund offers aid to music industry employees “in time of extraordinary need.” Funds assist medical bills, living expenses, rent or mortgage and utilities. The fund accepts referrals from Opry members and other organizations, such as MusicCares. More information at opry.com/opry-trust-fund.
• Music Health Alliance launched a grant application process for industry professionals in difficult times due to the coronavirus.

The above list was prepared by American Continental Group, Inc. on behalf of the Songwriters Guild of America.

Further Resources

Airgigs Providing the music community with new possibilities and opportunities via remote collaboration from over 150 different countries.

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.

AudioAssemble.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.

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.Cerf+ Emergency Grants A grant for artists who have recently experienced a recent, career threatening emergency, such as an illness, accident, fire or natural disaster. Grants related to the COVID-19 outbreak will focus on those infected with the virus that require intensive medical care.

California EDD is providing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources Federal level advice and information for small business owners.

Dramatists Guild Foundation Emergency Grant Emergency Grant for Playwrights, Composers, Lyricists, and Book Writers.

Equal Sound Musician’s Coronavirus Relief Fund A relief fund for musicians who have lost income due to a cancelled gig as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program 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).

Foundation for Contemporary Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund The Foundation will disburse $1,000 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 virus.

Gospel Music Trust Fund Grants funding in the event “of an emergency or major catastrophe, terminal or severe illness,” according to their website.

The Haven Foundation Grant The Haven Foundation offers interim financial assistance to freelance professionals in the arts who face crises. Its awards are granted with a view to helping individuals overcome temporary adversity and return to full-time work.

H.E.L.P Navigating Unemployment during COVID-19 Free legal webinar series by Public Counsel/Legendary Entertainment, made for Californians.

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.

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.

Musician Foundation Grants Emergency Grant for Musicians.

Patreon Artist Fund A grant from Patreon to support artists affected by COVID-19. Award amounts are not specified.

Small Business Association Disaster Loans The US Small Business Association provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters.

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Specifically for individuals who operate as sole proprietors or independent contractors.

Soze Artist + Activist Relief Fund A $50,000 fund making $250 – $750 grants to artists and activists whose work has been impacted by COVID-19.

Sundance Institute COVID-19 Respond and Reimagine Plan Emergency Relief for independent artists.

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 is offering independent touring contractors whose tours have been postponed or cancelled one month of free online therapy through Better Help (apply here).

TV Academy Members For the benefit of its members who are being impacted by the current situation, the TV Academy has collected links to some of the resources that may be of assistance.

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 canceled, post the city and your Venmo/PayPal – many of us would love to pass along our ticket refunds to you.”

Wefunder Coronavirus Crisis Loans A loan to help small businesses get access to the cash they urgently need to survive the months ahead. These loans can be crowdfunded by customers, friends and family, and Wefunder investors, with repayments deferred until 2021 and based on revenue.

WomenArts Emergency Funds A list of emergency funds for artists and arts organizations of all disciplines.

National Mental Health Resources for Artists

A Mental Health Guide to Virus Anxiety Resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s Tips and Resources for Coronavirus Anxiety provides helpful tips and strategies from mental health professionals to help those struggling with anxiety around the coronavirus or with general health anxiety concerns.

Music Industry Therapists & Coaches has published a comprehensive guide for coping during the COVID-19 outbreak. The FREE ebook offers advice on recognizing and relieving anxiety, reducing panic attacks, calming anxious children and working from home.

WHO Mental Health Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak The World Health Organization’s guide to managing stress and anxiety in the wake of COVID-19.

Los Angeles-based Resources

The Musicians Union of Los Angeles – Coronavirus COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds AFM Local 47 and the Music Fund of Los Angeles have established Emergency Relief Funds to assist members in need who have been subject to work stoppages relating to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Music Fund of Los Angeles Emergency Relief Fund The Music Fund of Los Angeles Executive Board has established an Emergency Relief Fund for AFM Local members who have lost revenue due to work stoppages resulting from the coronavirus COVID-19 emergency. This fund will be able to extend a limited amount of grants for members who work for employers covered by a Local 47 contract or collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation COVID-19 Response Page This online hub is designed to help employers and related workforce in L.A. County respond to the challenges of the COVID-19/coronavirus. Updates are made daily.

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.

Backline Care Billed as “The Music Industry’s Mental Health and Wellness Hub,” this organization’s mission connects music industry professionals and their family with a trusted network of mental health and wellness providers.

New York-based Resources

The City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance.

NYC Well is an east coast connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. Every donation helps those onstage and behind the scenes get health care, emergency financial assistance and counseling during this pandemic.

OPERA America is working with national arts service organizations to provide links to current information and access to assistance. The list is updated regularly and includes details of performance/production cancellations across the field.

The Southeastern Theatre Conference has collated a list of theatre-based support resources for those based in this field.