Disaster Relief
Over the last three decades, MusiCares has provided $39.5 million in disaster support to the music community. In many circumstances, MusiCares is the first support system for music people. Our data demonstrates that music professionals are uniquely vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters. In times of disaster, MusiCares’ eligibility requirements are adjusted from five years to three years of industry experience to ensure more music professionals can access support when they need it most. MusiCares supports at every step, from immediate and urgent needs including financial assistance for evacuation, lodging, food, and supplies, to longer term recovery including medical, mental health support, relocation, and replacing essentials.
Damaged Gear Replacement / Repair
MusiCares understands that access to essential tools is critical for music pros’ ability to work and earn income. When music professionals lose the tools of their trade due to environmental damage, MusiCares helps cover repair costs or replacement of instruments, recording equipment, touring gear, and other critical items. MusiCares understands that access to essential tools is critical for music pros’ ability to work and earn income.
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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