Photo Credit: CAL FIRE
Since January 7, wildfires have ravaged the Greater Los Angeles area. Here’s a comprehensive list of resources offering relief for LA industry workers.
It’s been a week now since wildfires began blazing through the Greater Los Angeles area, causing more than 20 deaths and extensive damage to property. With nearly 180,000 residents still impacted by evacuation orders, music industry organizations are offering ways to provide relief for those impacted by the tragedy.
Below is a list of organizations offering relief for Los Angeles music industry workers. A list of available shelters (both human and animal), health alerts, and evacuation updates are available on Los Angeles County’s emergency website.
Backline
Mental health non-profit Backline is offering resources to musicians in the Los Angeles area. “Know that Backline is here for you and that you are not alone,” wrote the organization on social media. “You can reach out to us via our case submission form and a case manager will contact you to help you get the long-term support you need. If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Hotline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990.”
BeyGOOD
Beyoncé’s charity, BeyGOOD, has announced a $2.5 donation in an LA Fire Relief Fund to help provide assistance to families affected by the Los Angeles fires. “The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.”
Entertainment Community Fund
For “eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals” experiencing “unexpected critical need,” emergency financial assistance is available from the Entertainment Community Fund. Formerly known as The Actors Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund can help with “basic living expenses” like healthcare and housing.
The fund’s website notes that applicants “under mandatory evacuation” or that have lost their home to the Los Angeles fires will be required by the application process to upload a list of documents. “If you do not have access to these documents, upload a blank file. Once we receive the application, we will work with you to complete [the form].”
Notably, if you are applying due to lack or loss of work as a result of the fires, you must upload all requested documents for your application to be processed.
Guitar Center Music Foundation
The Guitar Center Music Foundation is offering support to Los Angeles area musicians and music education programs affected by the fires. Those eligible can apply for a one-time grant through February 28 to help replace instruments damaged or lost in the fires.
Metallica’s All Within My Hands
Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, is granting $500,000 to relief efforts carried out by the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
MusiCares
The Recording Academy’s philanthropic organization MusiCares is offering short-term disaster relief to music professionals impacted by the fires in the Los Angeles area. This includes $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card to music professionals with five years’ employment or credit on six commercially released recordings.
MusiCares and The Recording Academy announced the launch of the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort on Thursday, seeded with a joint $1 million donation. The foundation has already distributed over $2 million in aid.
NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
The NAMM Foundation has pledged $50,000 and is accepting further donations through its website to provide needs-based assistance for members, employees of member companies, music education programs, and music professionals impacted by the fires. The foundation reports it is currently assessing the needs of the community and will announce further details about its distribution process and application guidelines.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Non-profit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, designed to help musicians and music industry workers in need, has launched a disaster relief fund for those in the Los Angeles area. Applications are open for those seeking assistance, with funds raised going toward loss of music equipment, medical bills related to the fires, and other living expenses.
Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund
The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family has announced an initial $1 million commitment to the Los Angeles fire relief and rebuilding efforts. The fund will contribute to the California Community Foundation, the LAFD Foundation, Project HOPE, and MusiCares, among others. “By supporting these organizations, we’re helping to direct funds to those most in need,” said Blavatnik Family Foundation head Len Blavatnik.
We Are Moving the Needle
We Are Moving the Needle Microgrants: Wildfire Relief Fund was launched on Thursday, designed to support “early and mid-career producers, engineers, and creators who have lost studio space or gear” in the wildfires. The fund is accepting donations as well as applications for assistance.
Other Donations
Major studios and corporations have also donated significant amounts of money to the fire relief and rebuilding efforts. These include Amazon ($10 million), Comcast ($10 million), Disney ($15 million), Fox Corp ($1 million), Netflix ($10 million), Paramount Global ($1 million), Sony ($5 million), and Warner Bros. Discovery ($15 million).