skip to main content

Do It Differently Fund from Help Musicians Adapts to COVID-19

The Covid-19 round of the Do It Differently Fund recognises that musicians are having to work in innovative ways due to the restrictions around social distancing.

Published: 20 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
a man with a mic singing
Funding new ways of staying creative and productive during self-isolation. Photo credit: Shutterstock

This fund aims to do the following three things:

  • Offer a package of support for professional, creative and wellbeing development
  • Enable creative independence for music creators who wish to explore working innovatively through digital methods
  • Encourage new habits and good practices of sustainable wellbeing

The Covid-19 round of the Do It Differently Fund offers a bespoke package of funding and expert advice designed to help you adapt and sustain your music through this time.

How the fund works

Offering a grant of £3,000, musicians will be supported to navigate the current uncertainty due to the Coronavirus outbreak, and to find new ways of remaining creative and productive during the downtime created by self-isolation.

For example you may:

  • Need to reshape your current business plans in the context of the changing domestic and global situations.
  • Have lost work you had planned for the coming months and want to repurpose this time to focus on your creative ambitions.
  • Already be exploring ways of using technology to support your next collaboration or recording and need some support to get this up and running.
  • Be wondering how to promote your planned release in a time of uncertainty and change.
  • Want to take the opportunity to adapt to a changing commercial environment and consider new and innovative ways to distribute your music and build an online fanbase.

For further details on the fund, eligibility criteria, and how to apply see the Help Musicians website.

Please note the deadline for this round of funding applications is Friday 1 May at 5:00 pm.

Other sources of financial support

If you’re in need of immediate financial relief, want to know more about sources for financial advice, or the Government’s financial assistance schemes, see our Financial Support 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 Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance