The Recording Academy and its charitable foundation MusiCares have created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support those in the music community whose lives have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Though the Recording Academy is known for the Grammy Awards, it serves the music community year-round through the advocacy and aid program MusiCares.

The growing pandemic has shaken the music community to its core, taking vital income away from thousands of musicians and music professionals for an indefinite amount of time. It has led to the closure of music venues, cancellation of shows, tours, and festivals, and taken away the daily work for the many people who work in music. The Relief Fund exists to maintain movement within the music industry and keep musicians thriving. It operates through donations which will go directly towards musicians whose livelihoods have been devastated. The Recording Academy is expanding services to now include lost income due to performance cancellations because of COVID-19 measures. 

Music industry professionals may apply for basic living assistance of up to $1000 to compensate for lost work. The Recording Academy will monitor their funding and if they receive additional funding, they will reevaluate grant amounts made available. To apply for assistance, one must include in their request a completed MusiCares application, proof of cancellations and bookings, and a copy of your lease agreement or mortgage statement including account numbers, vendor address, and your name on the lease or statement. 

MusiCares is also offering artist resources including freelance artist resources, entertainment assistance resources, and mental health resources. Additionally, they have provided artist resources by region to support those with regionally-specific work. All of these resources, assistance applications,  and more can be found on The Recording Academy’s MusiCares Covid-19 Fund FAQ. Those who wish to donate to the Relief Fund can do so on the MusiCares Donations page.