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Donations to MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund Soar Thanks to Bank Holiday Fundraisers

Jazz FM promoted the crowdfunder for our hardship fund over Easter Monday, as well as musicians holding their own fundraising gigs over the weekend, pushing our total raised so far up to £27K.

Published: 14 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

The radio station Jazz FM used UK Music Day to promote the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund to their listeners. In addition, musician Ben Mills raised over £1000 playing a virtual fundraising gig on Saturday night.

Our fundraising total now stands at an impressive £27K on top of the initial £1M fund we opened, as we continue to process and hand out £200 grants to meet the immediate and pressing financial needs of musicians facing financial hardship due to disruption from the coronavirus.

Where to go for financial support

If you’re in need of immediate financial relief, or what to know more about sources for financial advice, or the Government’s financial assistance schemes, see our Financial Support page.

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