NASHVILLE, Tenn (November 20, 2020) The GMA Foundation today announced $100,000 in new donations for its Disaster Relief Fund designed to support artists, musicians and crew members whose livelihoods have been devastated by the pandemic’s impact on touring. This new and significant round of funding is made possible in partnership with EMF (K-LOVE and Air-1). Additionally, a matching gift of up to $75,000 has been offered, allowing members and friends of the GMA to double their money in support of the Christian and Gospel music community. GMA partners including the Cantinas Arts Foundation, the Gospel Music Trust Fund and GMA board members have also contributed to the relief efforts. Once pledges are matched, a total of $250,000 will be available to qualified applicants.
“Special thanks to our generous partners for recognizing the need and stepping up to make a difference. The GMA is honored to serve our music community in such a tangible way during this challenging season.” says GMA President, Jackie Patillo. “I invite our GMA Members and others to take advantage of this opportunity and make a donation toward this matching fund. Together we can take care of our own and help ease the burden of struggling families.”
To date, donations raised through the Disaster Relief Fund have helped over 50 families. Thanks to our partners and GMA members, these new funds will bless many more families as they receive the assistance they need.
DONATE HERE: https://gospel-music-association.square.site/
APPLY HERE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11GrUA9mO5W_Efxr1CMIb4nf10448khOO/view
Qualifications for Funding:
Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their basic living expenses (food/housing/health care) over the next two months. The need is great, so we ask that if the need is not urgent, you please wait to apply. Please note, one grant per family.
Initial grant requests can be made up to $500 to compensate for cancelled work that was scheduled and lost. Should we receive additional funding, we will evaluate the grant amounts available.
Before starting to fill out our online application, you must review the eligibility criteria stated below:
To qualify, applicant affirms the following:
• I exclusively earn my income as a Christian/Gospel music performer or support personnel for a Christian/Gospel performing artist and/or for other live events/tours. Such support includes, but is not necessarily limited to: side musician; background vocalist; road manager; sound mixer/tech; instrument tech; lighting tech; stagehand; merchandise worker; etc.
• I am not a salaried employee with any entity and specifically with no artist, performer, or other touring organization.
• Due to COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of events for which I was scheduled to work, I have lost my expected income in 2020 and have no other income source from which to pay my immediate living expenses.
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