MusiCares
MusiCaresMusiCares was established by the Recording Academy in 1989. It is the mission of MusiCares to ensure that music people have place to turn in times of need. Its primary purpose is to focus the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues which directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
When jazz legend Woody Herman died homeless and alone after having made a lasting contribution to our culture -- not to mention the music business -- we drew the line. Music people must never be left in the gutter, never be without needed hospitalization or medicine or the basics of human dignity. Not in our prosperous industry, and not on our watch.
At Music MusiCares, we understand that the music business is often better at bestowing fleeting fame and fortune than financial assistance and health care referrals. Everyone from stars and songwriters to engineers and other music industry people can find themselves in financial crisis and in need of a safety net, a discreet helping hard. They may need assistance with a doctor's bill, an AIDS hospice, rehab center, rent check, or just keeping the utilities on during a financial emergency.
Since 1989, MusiCares' Emergency Financial Assistance Program has been helping music people across the country cope with financial hardships and crises. It provides totally confidential crisis intervention, health care referrals and financial assistance. MusiCares' confidential and caring approach allows those in need to seek help with dignity and confidence.
Applicants for financial assistance achieve basic eligibility by documenting five years of employment in the music industry or having made six commercially-released recordings or music videos.
Personal attention and confidential care is given to anyone who contacts MusiCares. If you call MusiCare, a social worker will evaluate your situation, provide crisis intervention if needed and offer any appropriate referrals to local and national organizations. They will review the financial assistance application with you and go over the approval process. Clients are notified of the decision as soon as possible. Approved financial assistance grants are always paid directly to a creditor/third party.
You are not alone. There is a network of friends and professionals just waiting to help you when you're in dire straits. You won't feel like it's you against the world anymore, if we can help it!
Through the www.GRAMMY.com website, MusiCares offers program service information, brochures and regular columns.