Furthering its support of music industry professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Country Music Association has announced continued efforts through its Music Industry COVID Support (MICS) initiative. The Nashville-based trade organization has outlined additional funding to five nonprofit partners–Music Health Alliance, Musically Fed, Notes for Notes, Porter’s Call and The Store–which, along with previous nonprofit investments, are funded through CMA’s $3 million long-term COVID-19 commitment that began in early 2020.
Established as a portal for key resources in the categories of food supply, health and wellness, and career services, MICS helps to connect industry professionals with appropriate nonprofit partners offering critical support.
In the state of Tennessee alone, more than 50,000 music jobs have been impacted by the health crisis, and that number is estimated to be hundreds of thousands more nationwide. At the onset of the pandemic, CMA donated $1 million to The Recording Academy’s MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund in addition to a $100,000 donation to Music Health Alliance. CMA has continued to analyze and assess the specific needs of music professionals to determine the most vital resources and services to provide. CMA will announce further nonprofit investments in the coming weeks and months.
Music Health Alliance has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 13,000 music industry members in 48 states across the U.S.
Musically Fed works with artists, promoters, management and venues nationwide to donate unused backstage meals to community organizations to feed the hungry and food insecure.
Notes for Notes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth with free access to music instruments, instruction and recording environments so that music can become a profoundly positive experience in their lives.
Porter’s Call works with full-time recording artists from all genres to offer counsel, support and encouragement at no charge.
The Store operates as a free grocery store allowing people to shop for their basic needs during economic hardship.
