MusiCares, the music industry’s leading charity organization run by the Recording Academy, launched an e-care aid program titled “Help For The Holidays,” which kicked-off on December 1. 

Continuing its COVID-19 relief efforts, MusiCares will be offering $250 of essential goods to the first 4,000 applicants who qualify.

For those interested in applying to MusiCares “Help For The Holidays,” professionals must have at least three years of past employment history in music. This includes all genres from all professions including artists, musicians, production crews, technicians, business teams, and anyone impacted by a loss of income due to live music cancellations.

For those in need, MusiCares has updated its list of COVID-19 relief resources, which includes a food insecurity hotline (1-800-5HUNGRY) and the Find Food search with WhyHunger, which aims to end hunger and provide nutritious food in the United States and the world.

While the future for those working in the music industry is unsure, the pandemic continues to ravage the music industry as government assistance has been put on hold. Entering the holiday season worsens these conditions, which include basic life necessities.

“Layoffs have left bands, crews and music support people jobless and struggling to attain basic provisions, from food on the table to gasoline in the car.”

Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares

Since its inception back in March 2020, $20 million dollars has been distributed to help more than 20,000 music people across a variety of genres and roles in the industry. What started with initial seed donations of $1 million each by MusiCares and the Recording Academy, the initiative continues to grow but more help is in demand to provide those in need who are suffering.

“Despite the support we’ve been able to provide to date, the situation has yet to improve for the music industry and the need grows. We continue to encourage all music lovers to support impacted industry professionals, especially during this holiday season, one that we know will look wildly different than years past.” 

Executive Director of MusiCares

For those interested in applying for assistance or who would like to donate to the cause, please visit MusiCares’ official website.