Musicians' Union Coronavirus Hardship Fund

It's time like these we need musicians and the music they create the most. But too many are worried about how they will pay the bills during this crisis. 

That's why we started the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund. Providing urgent relief in the form of small grants of £200 for MU members in immediate financial hardship.  

We know it's a difficult time. But if you can, please donate.  

Your donations will go to musicians who are facing genuine financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact.

What musicians say 

"I've just received an email saying my application was successful and I'll be receiving the money. Can I just say to everyone at the Musicians' Union, thank you. I could cry knowing that I've been given a bit of help. Thank you so much!" 

"Big thanks to @WeAreTheMU for enabling me to pay rent this month"

"My whole summer of festival gigs throughout Europe is looking to be cancelled. I employ 12 singers and we are all without work for the next four weeks so that's no income at all" 

"Gotta give props to @WeAreTheMU for helping out so many musicians at this time. What with Glastonbury cancelled, all comedy work, corporates and other events postponed and cancelled as well, they have provided many of us with a buffer"

"feeling incredibly grateful to @WeAreTheMU for awarding me a hardship payment today. a small amount but means a lot right now. they're also doing brilliant campaigning work. #joinaunion if you can - it's important to know you are not alone"

“I’m in the serious health condition category, so had to make a very very difficult decision to self isolate from the 16th March. I’m 100% self employed. I’m already overdrawn as I had to make refunds to students who didn't want lessons online. I’m trying very hard to keep positive and have gone into proactive mode. I’m trying to think of innovative ways to do things online. But I don't know what's going to happen next" 

Help us provide immediate support for musicians in real financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus crisis. 

• Musicians have lost more than £20m in earnings so far  

• Over 90% tell us their work has been affected  

• Job opportunities are down 70% on this time last year  

• Many musicians fall through gaps in Government support and are worried about their futures 

Find out more about the fund, application process, and criteria for support at theMU.org/hardshipfund