The Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MaCCNO) announced they have partnered with Branden Lewis’ Rainy Day Fund, which provides microgrants to local musicians. In a Tweet, the organization stated: “We are serving as a fiscal agent—donations are tax deductible and 100% of [money] collected will directly fund more grants. These grants are separate from our own Low Barrier Mini-Grants and will be distributed by Branden himself.”

After last Thanksgiving, Preservation Hall Jazz Band trumpeter Branden Lewis started distributing funds via social media to local musicians who may need a few extra dollars here and there.

“Last Sunday, after Thanksgiving, it was cold and kind of miserable.  As I reflected on my future as a musician, I began to feel gloomy.  I started Rainy Day Fund NOLA to help chase the blues away for my friends and colleagues who are living week to week right now,” the musician told OffBeat last December.

MaCCNO is serving as the fiscal agent. One hundred percent of donations will go directly to the Rainy Day Fund. To donate to this grass-roots effort, click here.