Michigan Artist Relief Fund
In March 2020, Michigan Music Alliance launched Michigan Artist Relief Fund, to address the current needs of Michigan based musical artists whose incomes were severely impacted by COVID-19. With events of all types being canceled to reduce the spread of COVID-19, people who make income fully through gigs and freelance music work lost critical opportunities to support their well-being. The Michigan Artist Relief Fund was one of the first funds for artist relief launched in response to COVID-19 and found support from the Michigan Music Community and far beyond. With YOUR help, we were able to raise almost $50,000 to help Michigan Artists pay their bills during the pandemic. It was an incredible feat and we couldn't have done it without so many wonderful donors, volunteers, and community partners!
​
As we continue to grow our efforts to help musicians like yourself across the state, we need some help. If YOU received a grant from Michigan Music Alliance's Michigan Artist Relief Fund, we want to hear how our crowd funded micro grants helped YOU. If you have a moment, we'd love to hear your story! Please take two minutes to fill out this short feedback survey below and take the opportunity to let our donors know how they impacted YOUR life during a difficult time.
​
​
​
​
Timeline:
​
March 13, 2020 - Launched fundraising efforts through Go Fund Me with support from Walk the Beat. Partnered with various organizations to direct additional merch sale proceeds to the fund:
-
Detroit-based company, Guitar Grips, donated 19% of every sale towards the fund all spring and summer 2020.
-
SHAR MUSIC in Ann Arbor generously donated a portion of their sales through the end of April 2020.
-
The Michigan-based indie rock folk band, The Accidentals, donated proceeds from this tee shirt towards the fund.
-
Detroit-based company Diop, donated to the Go Fund Me , adding national attention through their philanthropic efforts during the pandemic.
March 20, 2020 - Opened applications for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund. Press coverage continues, as the story was broken by Local Spins and since then, has continued to get picked up by Billboard and other media outlets. See the full list of press here.
March 26-29, 2020 - Spread the Music Virtual Festival to raise funds and awareness for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund is the first of its kind, featuring 60+ volunteer performers, leading into Songs of Support, a concert series live on Facebook continuing the push for the month of April and May.
May 15, 2020 - Closed applications for the fund due to depleted funds. 98 Michigan artists granted funds during the first round of applications (March-May 2020).
​
October 29, 2020 - Total raised as of October is $38,195. Billy Strings donated $1,800 to help relaunch the fund.
March 26-28, 2021 - Spread the Music Virtual Festival returns for the second year in a row, including headliners like Brian VanderArk, The Accidentals, and Jackson Smith to raise awareness and funds for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund. Over 200+ Michigan artists and 7 venues from around the state are involved. Over $10,300 is raised in 5 days.
May 1, 2021 - Applications for funding reopened.
May 15, 2021 - Applications for fund closed, with every applicant able to be funded.
​
To find out more about how musicians have been impacted uniquely by COVID-19 and how we are combating these issues, check out recent press.
​
If you have questions, please reach out to us via email at info@michiganmusicalliance.org.
​
