Since its launch in March, the PRS Emergency Relief Fund, formed in collaboration with PRS for Music and its charity partners PRS Members’ Fund and PRS Foundation, has helped over 3000 songwriters and composers, with more than £1.2m paid out so far.
Yesterday PRS For Music announced that the PRS Emergency Relief Fund has raised over £2.1m to help its members severely financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
To further fundraising efforts and raise awareness of the PRS Emergency Relief Fund, PRS Presents LCKDWN, a 24-hour virtual gig featuring over 50 artists took place online from midday (BST) on Friday 24 April. Viewers from more than 60 countries tuned in to see the likes of Tom Walker, Big Narstie, Alfie Boe, Nadia Rose, Joy Crookes, Katie Melua, Nitin Sawhney, Roachford, Linda Perry, Black Futures, KT Tunstall, D.J S.K.T, Oscar Jerome, Yizzy, Tim Wheeler (Ash) and Shadow Child perform.
More than £38,000 has generously been raised and donated to the PRS Emergency Relief Fund by the general public and PRS for Music staff, with other substantial donations coming from companies across the music industry.
Over half of all money raised for the PRS Emergency Relief Fund has been donated by the PRS Members’ Fund.
“It has been inspiring to see so many people in our industry and beyond getting behind the PRS Emergency Relief Fund. The PRS Members’ Fund has provided support to songwriters and composers for over 80 years and we’re proud that we can continue to do so throughout this incredibly trying time for all.”
John Logan, General Secretary, PRS Members’ Fund
“We have seen first-hand the difference the PRS Emergency Relief Fund has made and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated so far. Our members are under threat as many parts of the music scene grind to a halt. They need to eat, support their families and pay rent – without industry support the future is challenging during this terrible time. Together we can get through this.”
Andrea C. Martin, CEO, PRS for Music
“The PRS Emergency Relief Fund has helped thousands of music creators since the pandemic began. Thank you, PRS, for helping to keep music alive.”
Matt Lucas, PRS for Music member, actor, comedian, and writer
“Thank you so, so much! I can’t tell you just how much this support means at the moment… truly grateful to PRS and all who’ve enabled this fund. It’s really going to make a difference at this time. Sincere thanks and fond regards – stay safe!”
Emergency Relief Fund recipient
The PRS Members’ Fund is financially supporting the wider PRS Emergency Relief Fund to extend help and support for songwriters and composers who find the current lockdown situation gives many kinds of financial hardship.
Our team at the Fund will still be carrying out the normal work with mental health support, career change advice and helping those members who need our financial support on a regular basis.
Thank you to all the supporters who have already made generous donations. Our grants are making a huge difference to the lives of our members during Covid19.
If you wish to contribute there are many ways you can donate to the Emergency Relief Fund, check all the options here.
Notes to Editors
About PRS Members’ Fund
The PRS Members’ Fund supports songwriters, composers and their families in times of need. For over 80 years, thanks to the generosity of supporters, it has been able to provide help to songwriters and composers who are struggling financially, physically or emotionally– whether it be immediate assistance with finances, housing, mental or physical health issues, career advice, counselling, or coaching. In 2019, PRS Members’ Fund awarded 1,198 grants totalling £440,380 to beneficiaries in the UK and beyond. Over the last ten years, the registered charity has awarded £5.1 million in grants and loans. Originally formed in 1934 to support songwriters and composers during the Great Depression, PRS Members’ Fund continues to work closely with its founder, PRS for Music to empower its creative community in times of crisis.
