Disaster Relief
Over the last three decades, MusiCares has provided $39.5 million in disaster support to the music community. For many music people impacted by a disaster, MusiCares offers the first line of support. During dedicated disaster relief efforts, MusiCares’ eligibility requirements are lowered to three years of industry experience to ensure music professionals can access assistance when they need it most. MusiCares support spans acute relief for basic living needs to longer-term recovery efforts including preventive health, mental health support and equipment replacement.
Damaged Gear Replacement / Repair
MusiCares understands that access to essential tools is critical for music professionals' ability to work and earn income. When the tools of their trade are lost due to environmental damage, MusiCares helps cover repair costs or replacement of instruments, recording equipment, touring gear, and other vital items.
History of Disaster Relief
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2005
Hurricane Katrina
Provided more than $1.7 million in direct assistance to 2,400 music professionals and their families.
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2010
Nashville Floods
Supported over 300 music professionals impacted by the floods.
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2013
Colorado Floods
Established fund to support members of the music community affected by the Colorado Floods.
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2013
Superstorm Sandy
Established fund to support members of the music community across the Northeast affected by the storm.
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2015
Gatlinburg Fire
Provided support to victims of the fire.
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2016
Louisiana Floods
Provided support to victims of the floods.
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2017
Las Vegas Route 91 Festival Shooting
Provided trauma therapy & town hall meetings to the Nashville music community.
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2017
Hurricanes Harvey & Irma
Established fund to support members of the music community impacted by the storms.
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2020
Nashville Tornadoes
Provided support to impacted music professionals, including those who lost their homes in some of the hardest hit areas.
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2020
COVID-19 Pandemic
Activated our COVID-19 Relief Effort, our largest relief effort to date, ultimately providing over 140,000 services to the music community and distributing $35.7 million in aid.
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2021
Hurricane Ida
Provided support to 345 music professionals impacted by the storm.
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2023
Maui Wildfires
Provided support to victims of fires.
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2024
Hurricanes Milton and Helene
Provided aid to 800 music professionals impacted by the hurricanes.
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2025
Los Angeles Wildfires
Distributed aid to over 3,200 music professionals affected by the fires, our second-largest relief effort to date.
Resources
- Preparedness
- How music industry professionals can prepare for disasters to ensure that materials and equipment are preserved as much as possible.
- National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response
- Provides various resources and information on disaster preparedness and response in the Arts community.
- Association of Performing Arts Professionals
- Resources with links to organizations that provide emergency funding after a disaster.
- American Federation of Musicians
- Emergency response resources and information.
- National Heritage Responders
- Information about protecting your assets when sheltering in place.
- Sesame Workshop
- Resources and information on how to approach difficult topics with younger children. In addition to emergencies, there are resources for displacement and traumatic experiences.
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