Established in 2017 with a generous donation from the Sylvia and David Weisz Foundation at the request of Carey Appel and Tracy Albert, the Folk Musicians Relief Fund provides assistance to all types of career musicians associated with FAR-West who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. After attending their first Folk Alliance conference in 2011, Carey and Tracy observed that many artists who previously enjoyed full careers had found themselves struggling to make ends meet in a new music economy driven by digital streaming.

The FMRF is able to help with living expenses, insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment (for acute or long-term illness), housing costs, food costs, utilities and other basic necessities. In addition, we assist elderly musicians, regardless of medical condition, who are experiencing financial hardship. We can also be a temporary stopgap when applying for a more extensive medical grant from another source. Grants range from $200 to $1500 per qualifying individual.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants must be a member in good standing with Folk Alliance International and affiliated with the FAR-West region -OR- have attended at least one (1) FAR-West conference. 
• Persons may apply only once every two calendar years.
• Artists applying for assistance must represent a significant professional music history and demonstrate financial hardship with accompanying documentation.

If you are in need of financial assistance as described above, you are welcome to fill out the FAR-West Folk Musician’s Relief Fund Application Form. 

To apply:

• Applications will be available shortly
• Email questions to FARWestNews@gmail.com

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. You will be notified of receipt of your application within a week or two.Please allow up to 4 weeks for a response from the FMRF. We will make every effort to fulfill as many of the qualifying grant requests as possible. However, fulfillment depends upon the number of applications received, and the level of the FMRF fund at any given time.  If your grant is denied due to lack of FMRF funds, you may reapply the following calendar year.