COVID-19 News and Other Resources
The Chicago TMA Board has compiled this list of resources to assist musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians, artists, and the live performance industry are among the most catastrophically affected during this crisis. Due to overwhelming demand, many grants are closing and re-opening periodically. The chapter and board have compiled this list to the best of our ability from a variety of sources and will update as changes occur. The Theatre Musicians Association-Chicago Area Chapter cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Please stay safe, healthy, and continue to lift each other and our community up and we will get through this together.
Funding You Can Apply For Now
- ActorsFund – For all entertainment workers
- Artist Relief – Emergency grants to artists
- Blues Musician Emergency Relief Fund – For full-time blues musicians
- CFM – Apply by April 30th (2nd round of disbursements)
- EqualSound – Apply by April 20th
- Jazz Foundation of America Musicians’ Emergency Fund
- Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund – For AFM members who cannot work due to illness or disability
- MusiCares
- Musicians Foundation CV19 Emergency Grant
- Pinetop Perkins Foundation – For musicians over 50
- Sweet Relief Covid 19 Fund
Other State & Federal Programs
- Unemployment Benefits: Illinois
- Disability Insurance Claim – If you are unable to work due to a Covid 19 diagnosis or other disability.
- Paycheck Protection Program – For small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed workers
- Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac – Mortgage relief
Additional Resources
- AFL-CIO – Resources for workers affected by Covid-19
- Additional List of Resources for Freelancers
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Music Covid Relief – Access benefits available through the CARES Act
Other Things to Do
- Tell Congress to Support Artists during this crisis
- Write your representatives and demand relief for Musicians and our IATSE and Actor’s Equity brothers and sisters
- Respond to the U.S. Census Online or by phone (844) 330-2020.
- Get counted – Let the AFL-CIO know you completed the census.
Call Congress for COBRA Subsidies
Call Congress at 202-224-3121 to be connected to your representative to ask for funding of COBRA subsidies:
“Hi [Rep], my name is _____ and I am a constituent asking you to include in the next stimulus package a 100% COBRA premium subsidy to ensure those out of work can still afford to remain on their healthcare during this emergency period. In the past, the federal government has subsidized COBRA premiums for workers in times of economic crisis. The unprecedented scale of sudden unemployment during the COVID-19 outbreak calls for immediate action by the federal government to ensure millions of us are not kicked off our health insurance plans during this pandemic. Please take action now. Thank you.”
Look up your elected representatives by entering your address here.