APPLY | Musicians Foundation — Financial Assistance Grants

Applications to these grants are ongoing and are based on eligibility

Raising funds through concerts, events, bequests, and individual donations, New York City’s Musicians Foundation has supported thousands of musicians across all genres, helping them through financial difficulties and personal setbacks. 

To be eligible for these grants, a candidate must be a professional music performer, composer/songwriter, or educator in a specific time of need, and must have worked as a professional musician in the U.S. for five or more years and currently reside in the U.S. The applicant must also have filed taxes as a musician for five or more years and be able to provide a copy of a recently completed tax return.

Examples of circumstances that qualify for assistance include receiving medical bills for an injury that has made it difficult or impossible to perform, write, or teach music; an eviction or lease termination notice/having past-due rent caused by an unexpected hardship; a dental procedure or treatment in order to comfortably work as a musician; or having to assist an ill family member with essential bills, and now need help paying rent, due to financial hardship involved with supporting your family. 

Financial assistance will not be granted for loss of work related to COVID-19, such as canceled gigs or closed venues, and will not provide for travel, credit card bills, personal loans, or educational expenses.

Founded in 1914, the Musicians Foundation is the country’s oldest independent nonprofit organization dedicated to financially supporting musicians and their families in times of need, crisis, or transition. “In a time when artists experience more instability than ever before, [we serve] as a vital safety net for those who have given their lives to music,” stated the Foundation.

To apply and check your eligibility for a grant, click here.

For any queries, contact: [email protected]