New York, NY

MUSICIANS EMERGENCY FUND INC

EIN 13-1635273

Arts, Culture & Heritage Support for Working Artists

Mission

For over 90 years the organization has been dedicated to supporting extraordinary young musicians and nonprofit music organizations. Rebranded in 2023 as the Musicians Advocacy Fund, its stated vision is to continue funding special projects for classical musicians and music organizations through a nomination and application process.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) private non-operating foundation Contributions are tax-deductible

Claim this page Visit musiciansadvocacyfund.org

About MUSICIANS EMERGENCY FUND INC

Musicians Emergency Fund Inc (doing business as Musicians Advocacy Fund) is a long-established New York-based private foundation that provides targeted grants and one-time financial assistance to professional classical musicians, composers, and nonprofit music organizations. The organization operates a nomination- and application-based grant program focused on project support (recordings, travel, instrumentation, production costs, and emergency relief) rather than open unsolicited proposals.

Historically founded in 1931 to support artists during the Great Depression, the fund has continued active grantmaking into the 2020s, responding to crises (including emergency distributions after regional disasters) and supporting a roster of individual artists and established music institutions. The organization files annual Form 990-PF returns and manages a multi‑million-dollar endowment to sustain its grantmaking.

Notable achievements

Founded 1931; Major early public benefit

Established in 1931, the fund staged a major benefit in 1932 at Madison Square Garden to raise significant support for unemployed musicians during the Depression, establishing its long-term role supporting working artists.

Rebrand and renewed public program (2023)

In 2023 the organization formally relaunched publicly as the Musicians Advocacy Fund to broaden visibility and continue funding special projects for classical musicians and nonprofit music organizations via a nomination and application process.

Active recent grantmaking and emergency response

Across 2023–2025 the fund awarded project and emergency grants to individual musicians and institutions (examples include support for recording, travel, instrument purchases, and emergency relief after regional fires), demonstrating sustained, targeted impact for artists and organizations.

At a glance

Total assets: $3.5M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Private non-operating foundation
EIN: 13-1635273
Location: New York, NY
Website: musiciansadvocacyfund.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Operates with an experienced advisory council and board that includes noted classical musicians and arts leaders, reflecting strong sector endorsement and artistic governance.

Registered private foundation with consistent annual Form 990-PF filings and an ongoing grantmaking record, indicating regulatory compliance and financial stewardship.

Maintains an active public web presence under Musicians Advocacy Fund and accepts donations and applications through its website, making it accessible to donors and grant applicants.

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