The response to COVID-19 has decimated the music industry. Like cities all over the world, Indianapolis venues have been shuttered for months, unable to make money but still left paying overhead costs in the hopes of reopening again someday when it is safe. Due of our existing relationships with the City of Indianapolis through the Indy Music Strategy, and with the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, we were in a position to serve as administrators on a grants program to music venues.

The Mayor’s office reached out and asked how they could help venues with some of their Federal CARES Act funding. They wanted an independent group to manage the process to help the funds get to the places that needed it as quickly as possible.

The program was open to independent music venues located within Marion County. Grants are to be used for overhead costs, which may include monthly rent or mortgage payments and utility payments. The program was funded by federal CARES Act dollars approved by the City-County Council on June 8. Musical Family Tree, the administrator of the grant, reviewed 17 applications. All 17 applicants received funding, averaging $7,398, for a total of $121,675.

Musical Family Tree is still an all volunteer board with no full time staff. Because of this we needed to make sure we hired a grants consultant to help us manage the process and follow all the stringent rules associated with Federal Grants. We were connected through the Arts Council of Indianapolis with Julie Koegel, a grants consultant who has managed a number of funds for CICF, the Arts Council, the United Way, and many others. She helped us build a rubric to score applications, placing an emphasis on venues that provide for diverse audiences and promote inclusion, offer all ages opportunities, and are women and minority owned businesses.

“As we navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must protect our live music venues and the continued vibrancy of our neighborhoods,”- Mayor Joe Hogsett

““We are honored to have been able to distribute these grants to independent venues to provide some relief in the hope that they can be there for us on the other side of this,” said Jim Rawlinson, Board Chair of Musical Family Tree. “Thank you to the Mayor’s Office for valuing local music in Indianapolis.””