MusiCares Distributes $2.2M in LA Wildfire Relief Aid, Donations Hit $3.2M
MusiCares has distributed $2.2 million in wildfire relief aid to music industry professionals affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, with total donations reaching $3.2 million to date.
Firefighters inspecting wildfire damage
The organization is expanding its support through upcoming events, including:
- FireAid benefit concert at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome (January 30)
- MusiCares Person of the Year celebration honoring The Grateful Dead
- Grammy Awards programming focused on wildfire relief awareness
Eligibility requirements for receiving aid:
- Must work in the music industry for at least 3 years OR have 6 commercially released recordings
- Recording Academy membership not required
- Aid package includes $1,500 financial assistance and $500 grocery card
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasizes that all $3.2 million in current donations is already allocated, with thousands more music professionals needing assistance. The organization anticipates supporting affected individuals for several years to come, particularly those who have lost studios, homes, instruments, and their ability to earn a living.
"We have to do everything we can to be helpful. That involves raising money, raising awareness, and hopefully allowing MusiCares to have the financial resources that it's going to take to support the thousands of people that are going to need help—not just this week or next week, but for the next few years," states Mason Jr.