PRS Members’ Fund responds to Urgent COVID19 Need with the Emergency Relief Fund, Joining #GivingTuesdayNow in Global Day of Giving and Unity

London 04^th May 2020 – PRS Members’ Fund is responding to meet the needs of songwriters and composers by launching the Emergency Relief Fund in collaboration with PRS for Music and PRS Foundation.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.

At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity gives everyone power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. It is a day for everyone around the world to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are.

The live industry has halted globally, television and film production are on hold and businesses are closing, causing a dramatic reduction in music used. Collectively the livelihoods of creators, many of whom are freelance or small businesses themselves, are at significant risk during this crisis.

While the government has offered assistance to businesses and has promised more targeted measures for freelancers, PRS members are experiencing great hardship right now.

Since its launch in March, the PRS Emergency Relief Fund, formed in collaboration with PRS for Music, PRS Members’ Fund and PRS Foundation, has helped over 3000 songwriters and composers, with more than £1.2m paid out so far.

The scheme has been administered using the PRS Members’ Fund established grants model.

John Logan, General Secretary, PRS Members’ Fund, added: “Never before has there been a greater need for the services the Fund offers. 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”

People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow, whether it’s helping a neighbour, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. The global movement will emphasise opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection even while practising physical distancing.

“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organisations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities” said Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday. “#GivingTuesdayNow is a chance for us to stand united and use grassroots generosity to show that we are all in this together, beginning to end. Even as many face financial uncertainty, generosity is not about size. From calling an elderly neighbour to chat to offering translation help; from showing gratitude to our healthcare workers to donating to your local food bank, every act of kindness is a beacon of hope in this crisis. We all have something to give, and every act of human consideration and kindness matters.”

We would like to invite everyone to consider the impact of worldwide kindness and generosity — standing in unity while using our own individual power of action to remain connected and to heal.

Tomorrow show kindness and practice giving in any way.

If you wish to support music creators affected by the current situation, please join PRS Members’ Fund #GivingTuesdayNow efforts by donating towards the Emergency Relief Fund www.justgiving.com/prsformusic

For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit the GivingTuesday website, Facebook page or follow @GivingTuesday and #GivingTuesdayNow on Twitter.

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.

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe.

#GivingTuesdayNow is organized by GivingTuesday, in partnership with its global network of leaders, partners, communities and generous individuals. GivingTuesday is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.