Home Cultural Highlights The SONA Foundation Relaunches Its Grant Program to Assist Victims of Recent Los Angeles Wildfires

The SONA Foundation Relaunches Its Grant Program to Assist Victims of Recent Los Angeles Wildfires

by Artist Recap Team

Los Angeles, CA, January 24, 2025The SONA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Songwriters of North America (SONA), has announced the relaunch of its Songwriter Fund to provide emergency grants to songwriters and composers impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Initially created during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist music creators with over $400,000 in direct aid, the fund now aims to support those whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the recent Palisades, Eaton, and other area wildfires.

Michelle Lewis, CEO of SONA and The SONA Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to its community during times of need. “SONA is by songwriters, for songwriters,” said Lewis. “We launched The Songwriter Fund in April 2020 to deliver immediate and targeted financial relief to music creators during the pandemic. Following last week’s wildfires, which caused immense destruction in our home city of Los Angeles, we are again stepping up to assist.”

Lewis highlighted the urgency of the relaunch, noting that many in the music community have lost homes, studios, and businesses, with recovery expected to take considerable time. “The uncertainty and widespread damage have put countless livelihoods at risk. That’s why we are reinstating The Songwriter Fund emergency grant program, effective immediately.”

The Songwriter Fund, now live on The SONA Foundation website, will provide financial assistance to eligible songwriters and composers based in or around the affected areas. Applicants must demonstrate professional work as music creators and provide recent credits as part of the qualification process. Payments will be made via direct deposit, check, or digital wallet. The program is designed to address both immediate and long-term needs as the recovery process unfolds.

The public can contribute directly to this effort by donating to the Songwriter Fund. Donations are tax-deductible under the foundation’s 501(c)(3) status, and every contribution helps support those in need.
As part of its broader commitment to wellness, The SONA Foundation is hosting a mental health-focused Fireside Chat series with Backline, a nonprofit organization that supports mental health in the music industry.

The next session, taking place today, January 16, at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET, will address disaster recovery and its mental health implications. Panelists include songwriters Momma Molasses and Cam Ragsdale, alongside Backline’s Clinical Director Ari Jacobson and Community Manager Terra Lopez. This free event is open to all, offering a platform for connection and shared experiences during challenging times.

In addition to The SONA Foundation’s efforts, its clients and collaborators are working behind the scenes to support these initiatives. Producers Amy Shomer and Mari Fuentes, along with development head Victoria Beatley, play integral roles in helping clients navigate unexpected challenges. Beatley, whose distinguished background includes a successful career in city finances and banking and service on the board of the Orange County’s Credit Union, brings invaluable expertise and connections to support clients and foster new business opportunities.

The relaunch of The Songwriter Fund underscores The SONA Foundation’s dedication to the music community and its resilience in times of crisis. As the wildfires’ impact continues to unfold, the foundation remains steadfast in its mission to provide aid and advocacy for songwriters and composers.

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For more information about The Songwriter Fund and to apply or donate, visit The SONA Foundation’s Songwriter Fund.

To register for the Fireside Chat series, visit SONA Fireside Chats.

For The SONA Foundation logo and social media artwork, download here.

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