Grants and Financial Support for Musicians

MU membership provides access to grants for its members, such as Benevolent Fund, Parental Grant, and a Funeral Grant for deceased members' family. You can also find out other sources of financial aid in the times of need. 

You can also donate to the Benevolent Fund to help our members in the times of financial hardship.

Benevolent Fund

The MU's Benevolent Fund is a modest and limited resource, maintained by donations. We offer a small grant to members suffering severe financial hardship, for example in cases of illness or injury.

How to apply for a grant

To apply for a grant, please contact your Regional Office who will talk you through the next steps. A sub-committee of the Regional Committee will consider your application as soon as possible after it’s received.

To be eligible for a grant you must be in your second (or more) year of consecutive membership i.e. not within the first year of membership.

Parental grant

Grants of £275 are available to all new parents who are MU members. Check if you are eligible for the grant before applying.

The parental grant for musicians is available:

• To current members who are not in arrears of their membership fee at the time of application and becoming a parent. If both parents are members, only one parental grant is payable per child.
• If you are in your second (or more) year of consecutive membership i.e. not within the first year of membership. It must be applied for within six months of becoming a parent, or during pregnancy and on production of the Maternity Certificate (note that both pages of the MAT B1 form need to be presented).
• On a per-child basis. Therefore, if more than one child is born or adopted, a grant is paid per child.

You'll need to provide the required supporting documents to apply. Learn more by starting your application.

Apply for a Parental grant

Funeral grant

A funeral grant of £275 is payable in respect of MU members whose death occurs during their membership. To apply, please get in touch and we'll talk you through the next steps.

Financial help for musicians from our partner organisations

Help Musicians

Help Musicians helps musicians by providing advice, guidance, and financial and emotional support.

The charity prioritises career development and individual progression, providing grants for young musicians and others to record.

It plays a vital role in supporting working musicians who are dealing with an illness, injury or the aftermath of an accident. It’s a lifeline for many, so if you need help or know someone who does, don't hesitate to reach out.

Royal Society of Musicians

The Royal Society of Musicians (RSM) is the oldest music charity in the UK. It’s run by musicians, for musicians, to offer them financial aid, advice and guidance when they are unable to work due to accident, illness, stress or anxiety. 

Whatever role you play in the music industry, whether a performer, teacher, technician or anything in between, the RSM can offer: 

• Grants for physical and emotional therapies 
• Referrals to specialised practitioners and associated treatments 
• Short-term living expenses 

The RSM also help those needing support on a more long-term basis, by funding home adaptations and mobility aids. 

 If you’re a music professional unable to work because of your physical or mental health, the RSM can help get you back on track with financial assistance, advice and guidance. 

PRS Members' Fund