Resources for Jazz Musicians During COVID-19

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As we are painstakingly experiencing, our world has changed greatly since our last e-blast communication. The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in an unparalleled health and economic impact on all aspects of life.  We are deeply concerned about the devastating financial impact on the performing arts community here in Kansas City and, most notably, our treasured jazz artists.

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To that end, Kansas City Jazz ALIVE has compiled a list of relief funding sources and other resources available to artists.  As you know, the list of resources are constantly evolving and as such, this list is not all-inclusive.  We urge you to check in frequently to survey the extensive list of resources provided by these fantastic regional arts and non-profit umbrella organizations.

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Regional Arts Organizations & Non-Profit Umbrella Groups:

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• ArtsKC  |  https://artskc.org/

• Non-Profit Connect  |  https://www.npconnect.org/

• Mid-America Arts Alliance  |  https://www.maaa.org/

• Missouri Arts Council  |  https://www.missouriartscouncil.org/

• Arts Council of Johnson County |  https://www.artsjoco.org/

• ArtsReady  |  https://www.artsready.org/

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Selected List of Funding Resources for Artists:

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• Artist Relief Fund  |  https://www.artistrelief.org/

  • To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.

  • Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists.

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• Jazz Road Quick Assist Fund for jazz artists 

  • https://jazzroad.southarts.org/quick-assist-fund/

  • The application process opened and closed on the same day (April 13th) due to very high demand.  We encourage you to check back with South Arts/ Jazz Road frequently for updates or application re-opening opportunities

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• Preservation Hall Foundation 

  • https://www.preshallfoundation.org/musician-covid19-support

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• Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund

  • https://www.sweetrelief.org/covid-19-fund.html

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• Musicians Foundation 

  • http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/apply/

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• Musicares (Grammy Recording Academy) 

  • https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund

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• Jazz Foundation of America

  • https://jazzfoundation.org/covid19fund/

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• Dramatists Guild Foundation

  • https://dgf.org/programs/grants/grants-for-writers/?fbclid=IwAR0BW1rjchfgjIVhbWZ-Mjiq9Y-RE9GpFKxNJpwuD952d31f2qERb2_ZAJ0

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• Blues Foundation: The Heart Fund

  • https://blues.org/hart-fund/#about

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• Artist Relief Project

  • https://artistreliefproject.org/

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• AGMA Relief Fund

  • https://agmarelief.org/

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• SBA (Small Business Administration)

  • https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

  • The SBA administrates small business related aspects of the recent CARES Act on Coronavirus Relief Funding.  Two areas that might be most applicable to artists are

• PPP (Payroll Protection Program)

  • https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

  • This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program.  There are some applicability issues with those from the “gig nation” sector, but we urge you, nonetheless to inquire through the SBA.

• EDIL (Emergency Disaster Insurance Relief)

  • https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance

  • This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. There are some applicability issues with those from the “gig nation” sector, but we urge you, nonetheless to inquire through the SBA.

• Unemployment

  • While there may be some applicability issues with those from the “gig nation” sector, it is highly recommended that artists apply for employment through the appropriate state agency…

  • Kansas 

    • https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/FAQs/FilingApplication.aspx

  • Missouri

    • https://www.mo.gov/work/unemployment/

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If you are aware of any existing or new relief funding opportunities not listed herein, please let us know so we can update this list moving forward.  Please email your suggestions to include fund or funder name, website address, and any pertinent descriptive details to Greg Carroll. 

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Most importantly, we wish you all the very best in good physical and mental health as we continue to adjust to what has become a new normal.  It is our hope that in the very near future, the stage lights will be lit and the sound that so aptly is Kansas City Jazz joyfully rings aloud with our beloved artists on stage and friends in the house.

Be well. Be safe. Support live Jazz!