CHARLOTTE – (July 31, 2020):Music Everywhere CLT in partnership with FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative and Tosco Music, are excited to announce the expansion of the Charlotte Music Community Relief Fund. This grant program was designed to help members of the Charlotte music community, with an emphasis on independent performing or recording artists, with loss of income due to COVID-19. Now, with the help of United Way/Foundation For the Carolinas Covid 19 Response Fund and a successful community campaign, additional grantmaking capacity is available.

The Fund was launched on April 29 with an initial contribution from Music Everywhere CLT, supported by AvidXchange. Since then, a public campaign, with great support from Tosco Music and its supporters, has raised more than $29,000 and the UW/FFTC COVID-19 Response Fund contributed $40,000. As of July 20, #CLTMusicFund has made 79 grants totaling $39,500.

“We're glad these funds will help support members of the Charlotte music community through COVID-19 as they creatively innovate our way out into an even stronger music city," says David “Dae Lee” Arrington of FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative.

“When we launched this fund with our partners, we were responding to an immediate and urgent need,” says Rick Thurmond of Music Everywhere CLT and Charlotte Center City Partners. “Now, three months later, it’s clear that the music economy will be challenged for some time. We hope that everyone in the music community is aware of this fund, and if you’re in need of a boost, consider applying.”

Music Everywhere CLT’s 2018 study showed that most people in Charlotte’s music community make less than $10,000 a year from music. During these challenging times, the Fund is intended to support local musicians, sound engineers, producers, songwriters, crew, music photographers and help pay a few bills. “The entire Music Everywhere CLT team hopes this fund helps keep the local music scene whole,” says Thurmond. “We hope it lets members of our music community know that Charlotte cares and values their contributions to our city. We hope it encourages them to stick around, stick with us, and stick with it.”

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Las solicitudes al fondo ya están abiertas. Haga clic aquí para aplicar.

About the Fund

Below information also available at http://musiceverywhereclt.com/relieffund

The Charlotte Music Community Relief Fund is designed to help members of the Charlotte music community, with an emphasis on independent performing or recording artists, who have experienced loss of income due to Covid-19.

Examples include:

·Income lost due to cancelled gigs or bookings, recording sessions, tours, festivals, contracts, or other events.

·Income lost by teaching examples due to cancelled lessons, closed schools, etc.

Who is eligible to apply?

This grant program is designed to aid individuals in the Charlotte music community who may be struggling to pay the bills due to loss of music-related income due to COVID-19. If you have other full-time employment that has not been disrupted or a strong financial safety net, please refrain from applying.

Additional criteria

·You should be age 18 or older and not a fulltime student.

·The majority of your income should normally come from music-related work

·You must live in Mecklenburg County

How much is the grant and what can it be used for?

Grants are $500. The grant is unrestricted.

Can only musicians apply?

No. A music community is made up of all kinds of contributors. Sound technicians, producers, songwriters, studio engineers, music teachers, composers, presenters, etc. We encourage anyone who makes the majority of their income from music and is having trouble meeting basic needs to apply.

Can we apply as a band?

No. Each individual’s situation is unique. Each member of a band should apply separately and each application will be considered separately.

Who is reviewing the applications?

A small panel comprised of diverse individuals who have an understanding of the music ecosystem reviews the applications on a rolling basis. The panel is committed to equitable distribution of funds, across all segments and demographics of our population

How do I apply?

Please click here to apply.

If I received a grant, can I apply for another one?

Yes. Individuals may apply up to two times, with a minimum of 60 days between grants. To be considered for a second grant, you must submit a new application.

How will you send out the money?

We are only able to make grants by check. Checks will be mailed to the address provided in the application.

Is the grant taxable income?

Grants are considered income. The current IRS threshold of taxable income from one entity is $600. Any individual who receives more than $600 (for example: multiple fund grants, a grant and a gig fee, etc.) from Charlotte Center City Partners in a calendar year will be sent a 1099 form.

Who is Music Everywhere CLT?

Music Everywhere CLT is a nonprofit civic initiative to grow Charlotte’s music scene and economy. The initiative was launched by Charlotte Center City Partners.

Who is FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative?

FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative envisions and advocates for a fair Charlotte music scene where what makes us different is what makes the difference.

Who is Tosco Music?

Tosco Music is a nonprofit organization that presents a wide variety of music through performances and outreach programs, fosters a sense of community among listeners and performers, and connects professional and amateur musicians to share and inspire on another.

The Lake Blog

About The Lake Blog