Entertainment Industry Assistance Organizations

Each of these organizations has its own criteria for who they are able to assist and its own application process. Please review their website, email or call the organization directly to see if you qualify.

Behind the Scenes Foundation

btshelp.org/apply
[email protected]

212-244-1421

Provides financial assistance for basic living or medical expenses to entertainment technology professionals, or their immediate dependent family members, who are seriously ill or injured. Grants are also available for entertainment technology professionals who would like to initiate or support ongoing counseling or participate in an in-patient or out-patient recovery program.

Backline

https://backline.care
[email protected]
Mental health and wellness resources for the music industry.

 

The Blues Foundation

blues.org/hart-fund
[email protected]
 901-527-2583 ext. 13
The HART Fund  for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses.

Broadcasters Foundation of America

broadcastersfoundation.org/how-we-help
[email protected]
212-373-8250

Mission is to improve the quality of life and maintain the personal dignity of men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute financial need due to a critical illness, accident, advanced age or other serious misfortune.

Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund)

https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/social-services-financial-assistance

New York City 
212-221-7300, ext. 119
[email protected]

Chicago
312-372-0989
[email protected]

Los Angeles
323-933-9244, ext. 455
[email protected]

Free and confidential social service programs available nationally to everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment—including actors, dancers, musicians, stagehands, playwrights and many more–and address a wide array of challenges faced by people in performing arts and entertainment. With respect and understanding, our professional social workers offer counseling and support groups, education, emergency financial assistance and practical help. If you are in need of counseling and support because of sexual harassment, The Entertainment Community Fund provides safe and confidential help.

Jazz Foundation of America

jazzfoundation.org/what-we-do
[email protected]
212.245.3999
Provides housing assistance, pro bono medical care, hurricane disaster relief, and financial support to musicians and their families in times of crisis.

Motion Picture and Television Fund

mptf.com/help
323-634-3888

Offers a variety of services that can provide emotional and financial relief to people and their families during hardship. Whether the hardship is personal or the result of an entertainment industry-wide event, MPTF is here when you need us most. Conversations and visits with social workers at MPTF are completely confidential. Your social worker will be your advocate and work with you to prioritize your needs and find appropriate solutions.

MusiCares

www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help
[email protected]
MusiCares West Region
800-687-4227
MusiCares South Region
877-626-2748
MusiCares South Region
877-303-6962

May grant short-term financial assistance for personal or addiction needs that have arisen due to unforeseen circumstances. Funding may be awarded for needs such as rent, car payments, insurance premiums, utilities, medical/dental expenses, psychotherapy, addiction treatment, sober living, and other personal expenses. 

Music Health Alliance

musichealthalliance.com/what-we-do
[email protected]
615-200-6896

Offers three primary areas of results driven healthcare services with an emphasis on preventing illness and staying well. Offers guidance and access to state and federal health insurance options, comprehensive major medical insurance and Medicare supplement options; professional guidance and direction through the health care system; access to primary care services, dental care and mental health counseling for insured individuals as well as low cost services for uninsured and low income music industry professionals nationwide

RESCU Foundation

rescufoundation.org
Established to promote and maintain the health and medical well-being of the participants of Renaissance Faires, historical performances and other artistic events through financial assistance, advocacy, education and preventative programs. Offers direct financial assistance and medical advocacy.

The Roadie Clinic

www.theroadieclinic.com
[email protected]
269-259-9098

An advocacy group for roadies and their families, committed to providing a safe space for our community to heal off the road and to advocate for – and empower them to obtain – a healthy work environment while on the road.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation

sagaftra.foundation/assistance/emergency-assistance
323-549-6773

Provides financial assistance to eligible SAG-AFTRA members and their families for basic expenses, including but not limited to rent, utilities and car insurance. The program also offers case management services to members including support, information, and/or referrals to community agencies based on need and the circumstances surrounding a member’s emergency request.

Sweet Relief

sweetrelief.org/get-help/request-assistance
 [email protected]
888-955-7880

Provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.

Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation

wrpioneers.org/services/paf
888-994-3863
Serves members of the motion picture entertainment industry (exhibition, distribution and trade services) who are encountering an illness, injury or life-changing event. All assistance is intended to provide support during a recovery or adjustment period and lay the foundation for a lifetime of ongoing success.

Behind the Scenes Foundation makes no representations or warranty whatsoever, either expressed or implied, regarding any information or advice provided by these referral services. In no event shall Behind the Scenes Foundation be liable to you or anyone else for any decision or action taken in reliance on information provided by these referral services.