MusiCares announced Thursday (April 30) that its COVID-19 Relief Fund is depleted and that it has been forced to stop accepting new applications.
“Unfortunately, until we can raise more money for our COVID-19 Relief Fund, we can no longer accept new applications from those seeking assistance. While our goal is always to provide support to everyone in need, we are currently bound by the funds available,” the Foundation said in a statement.
Since forming in March, the fund has raised nearly $14 million to aid thousands of music industry professionals affected by the pandemic, according to MusiCares.
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“It is the largest amount of money raised, with the most recipients helped, for any single event in our history,” MusiCares continued. “To date this year, we’ve vetted and approved 20,200 individuals to receive assistance. For context, that’s more than double the number of music people we typically serve in one year. But, there’s still so much work to be done.
“We aren’t giving up and continue to work relentlessly to raise additional funds, while furthering our commitment to provide leadership in other ways. These initiatives include continuing our advocacy work in Washington D.C., providing guidance for artists as they navigate this new territory, and fostering discussions with a broad group of leaders about the future of our industry.”
As Billboard has previously reported, the Recording Academy and MusiCares established the COVID-19 Relief Fund on March 17. The fund launched with a $2 million base donation from the academy and MusiCares. Creators could apply for grants of up to $1,000 to compensate for canceled work and basic living costs for rent or mortgages at musicares.org.
“As an industry and a community, this is one of the most trying times we’ve ever faced, but we know that music can unite us in our struggle to console, entertain and provide some levity during dark times,” the MusiCares statement said. “We are committed to facing the challenges ahead alongside all those who have and will join our cause.
“The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating to our music community and the need for relief remains dire. While we are incredibly grateful for all the support we have received and are humbled to be in a position to help those who are so desperately in need, the fight to help those struggling in our community is far from over.”
Variety initially reported the news.
