With donations raised through its recent, live-streamed Spread the Music Festival, the Michigan Music Alliance will distribute grants to musicians in need.
Spreading Music and Money: Artists during the recent live-streamed Spread the Music Festival helped raise dollars for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
The non-profit Michigan Music Alliance has opened its application period for in-state musicians seeking financial assistance through the Michigan Artist Relief Fund.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
It’s the second year that the MMA has offered grants to Michigan musicians suffering financial shortfalls and immediate needs due to the pandemic and other crises.
Qualifying full-time professional musicians living in Michigan are eligible for grants up to $500. Overall, the MMA plans to distribute about $10,500 in funds raised recently via donations during the live-streamed Spread the Music Festival in late March.
Musicians should move quickly to apply because all funds will be paid out by May 20 on a first-come first-served basis to those meeting grant requirements, according to Elle Lively, MMA’s executive director.
Elle Lively (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
“To keep things fair and also manageable, we are going to pay out a maximum of $500 to each qualified individual,” Lively said.
“Please apply only once. First-time applicants will be prioritized. Please keep in mind, funds are limited and we would love to help as many people as possible.”
Musicians can apply online at michiganmusicalliance.org/artist-relief-fund.
Full-time musicians over the age of 21 who live in Michigan “must have a basic need” that requires immediate assistance to qualify for a grant. Full- and part-time college students are not eligible.
The MMA will prioritize grants to “artists with severe financial impact and immediate need. … Applying does not guarantee aid.”
The application period officially opened on Saturday (May 1), with grants slated to be awarded by May 20.
Those who missed an opportunity to donate to the Michigan Artist Relief Fund during the Spread the Music Festival can contribute to the cause online here.
Editor’s Note: Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics is a member of the Michigan Music Alliance Board of Directors.
Copyright 2021, Spins on Music LLC
