COVID-19: Funding available to the music community
In recent months, a number of hardship funds have been launched to support the music community as individuals and organisations try to navigate their way through the impact of lockdown.
PPL has been delighted to be able to provide funding to a number of these initiatives to help our members and the wider industry through these challenging times. Below, we have summarised the funds that we have donated to.
Association of Independent Music (AIM)
PPL pledged £100,000 to the AIM COVID-19 Crisis Fund to support self-employed contractors and freelancers. This Fund can support anyone from tour managers and roadies, to publicists, stylists, mixing engineers and more. Up to £1,000 is available to cover lost income from cancelled projects in April and May and/or June and July. As a performer or recording rightsholder, you may be eligible for support. For more information, contact aimfund@aim.org.uk
Help Musicians
Help Musicians recently launched its second round of financial hardship funding targeted at self-employed musicians who do not qualify for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and other unemployed musicians who are experiencing significant financial hardship. The fund opened with a total of £2.55m, made up of £2m from the charity’s reserves plus donations of £500,000 from PPL and £50,000 from the Lightbody Foundation.
Musicians’ Union
The Musicians’ Union has set up a Hardship Fund for those experiencing genuine and pressing financial hardship due to coronavirus. PPL is delighted to have provided funding to support professional musicians through this fund. A comprehensive page of news and advice geared towards musicians has also been published by the Musicians’ Union and includes specific information on contracts, insurance, travel and safety.
Music Managers Forum (MMF)
With financial support from PPL and other benefactors, the MMF has launched a support fund for talented UK-based managers affected by the COVID crisis. Administered by Help Musicians, the ReBuild fund offers grants of up to £3,000 to those who meet the basic criteria and is now open for applications.
PRS Foundation
Funding is also available from PRS Foundation to encourage musicians to keep making and promoting their music during lockdown. Full details can be found on the PRS Foundation website. PPL is a proud partner of the PPL Momentum Fund which will open for a further round of applications shortly, with a deadline of 17 August 2020.
Additional information on COVID-related resources can be found here.
