Australian music charity to share in $10m Spotify relief fund

Spotify last month committed up to US$10 million to help the music biz survive the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with charities around to world to distribute the proceeds.

As previously reported by TMN, the fund will match dollar-for-dollar donations from the public.

Australian music charity Support Act, which provides crisis support for those working in the industry, has since confirmed a partnership with the streaming giant and will share in donations.

TMN understands that Spotify will also make an initial donation to the charity.

Support Act CEO, Clive Miller, said the funds will reach those affected by the impact the crisis.

"The generous donations received through the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief will allow us to provide crisis relief to artists, crew and music workers who have been negatively impacted by the impact of global COVID-19 crisis," he said in a statement.

"And, importantly to provide mental health support through the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline and our online education and training programs."

The Support Act COVID-19 Emergency Appeal, launched to assist professionals have lost their entire livelihoods due to the shutdown, has already secured over $450,000 in donations.

The Government has also allocated $10 million to Support Act as part of the $27 million funding package for the arts sector, announced on April 9 and first reported by TMN.

Donations will also help provide ongoing mental health support through the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline and its online education and training programs.

"Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been identifying ways that Spotify can help make an impact around the world,” the tech company shared in a blog post last month. “Via our website, Spotify will recommend verified organizations that offer financial relief to those in the music community most in need."

A portion of the global fund has already been distributed to MusiCares in the US, PRS Foundation and Help Musicians in the UK and The Unison Benevolent Fund in Canada.

Spotify also just announced a new feature to help artists raise money for Support Act, or accept direct donations via PayPal, through the Artist Fundraising Pick initiative on artists' profiles.