skip to main content

Crowdfunder Breaches £20K in Donations for Musicians Facing Hardship

After setting up a crowdfunder in response to those asking us what they could do to support the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund, we have received more than £20k donations.

Published: 09 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
MU Coronavirus Hardship fund

In response to the widespread cancellation of work that has hit our profession as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we set up a hardship fund that members with genuine and pressing hardship can apply to.

After many messages of support, we then set up a crowdfunding account so that music lovers and musicians in a position to support other musicians could donate to the fund.

The fund whipped past its initial target of £10K in under one week – and we are now almost at a quarter mark of our new £100K target. The crowdfunding page itself is also flooded with kind messages from well-wishers.

Thanks to so many generous donations, we’ve been able to extend our eligibility criteria and continue handing out small grants to help musicians facing unprecedented financial hardship meet their immediate needs.

If you’re in a position to donate, and you’d like to support musicians facing genuine financial hardship, find out more.

In need of financial support?

For a list of hardship funds, resources for financial advice, and schemes from the Government that may be applicable, see our Financial Support for Musicians page.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

Read more about Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film
Black and white image of Gil sat at a piano in his younger years.

Tribute to Gil Martin

Gilbert Alexander Martin was a successful and highly accomplished pianist, as well as a lifelong member and supporter of the Musician's Union. He passed away on 29 May 2024. This tribute has been provided by Gil’s daughters, Gillian and Susan.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about Tribute to Gil Martin
Sir Kier Starmer Labour leader giving his first speech after winning the general election and becoming prime minister on 5 July.

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs