NIVF Emergency Relief Fund

Thank you for your support and generosity.

The Emergency Relief Fund is a crucial initiative for the National Independent Venue Foundation to provide a critical safety net for the independent live entertainment community.

About The Emergency Relief Fund

Administered by the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), a 501(c)(3) organization, the NIVF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) is dedicated to providing economic relief to independent, live performance venues and promoters, both for-profit and nonprofit, across the United States experiencing a critically severe emergency due to circumstances beyond their control.

The ERF is a crucial initiative for NIVF and uniquely aligns with its mission to preserve and nurture our national independent, live entertainment community. The Emergency Relief Fund holistically covers unforeseeable situations beyond recipients’ control, including but not limited to natural disasters, natural hazards, manmade disasters, or acts of terrorism.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed for eligibility as received throughout the year. Funding will be subject to availability and distributed according to a grant agreement. Please note NIVA membership is not a prerequisite for applying to NIVF Emergency Relief Fund.

Before applying for emergency relief fund support, prospective grantees should review the NIVF ERF Guidelines. The application is an initial assessment of eligibility and need, NIVF reserves the right to follow-up questions and clarifications.

 Grantee Eligibility

Funding will be provided to independent venues and promoters, both for-profit and nonprofit, across the United States that present music, comedy, and performing arts that meet the program's criteria. Primary elements of eligibility include:

  • Venues and promoters experiencing a critically severe emergency due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, natural hazards, manmade disasters, or acts of terrorism. (NOTE: Normal business operating risks are not circumstances beyond applicants' control)

  • Venues and promoters that are for-profit or nonprofit businesses, which may be corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or sole proprietorships. Please note that NIVA membership is not a prerequisite to apply for funding.

  • Venues and promoters that program original, live music, comedy, and/or similar performing arts as a primary driver of their business.

  • Must be located in and primarily operate within the United States.

  • Additional information on eligibility requirements may be found in the NIVF ERF Guidelines.

Ineligible Applicants include:

  • Businesses that primarily operate for the purposes of sporting events, karaoke, exotic dancing, fitness, or private events (e.g., galas, weddings), private homes, schools, chain movie theaters.

  • Businesses that meet more than one of the following attributes: 

    • Publicly-traded

    • Multinational corporation

    • Owns, manages, or books venues in more than one state

Funding Policies

Funding is limited to one application for relief amount up to $25,000 per physical location or festival per 12-month period, not to exceed a total of $50,000 per applicant-related-owner entities with more than one location or festival.

Funding is available for various operational expenses. Please refer to the NIVF ERF Guidelines for a complete list of eligible expenses.

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Unrelated real estate or loans

  • Business acquisitions

  • Distributions to partners

  • Operating costs incurred prior to the emergency circumstances

If awarded, funding must be utilized within 60 days of receiving the granted funds. In addition, a final grant report is required within 30 days of the grant expenditure.

Preparing Your Application

The NIVF ERF Guidelines provide detailed instructions on preparing and submitting a grant application. The application should present information in a clear and concise way that enables the ERF Committee to assess the scope and significance of the requested emergency relief grant. The application is an initial assessment of eligibility and need, NIVF reserves the right to follow-up questions and clarifications.

The following documentation is required as part of the application submission:

  • Statement of Need - Listed in the application questions and not uploadable, illustrating the circumstances that gave rise to the financial emergency. (400-word limit)

  • Balance Sheet as of month-end prior to the application date - Please refer to the NIVF ERF Guidelines for a complete list of requested line items. 

  • W-9 Form (PDF) which identifies the applicant's current business address, EIN, and dated with a signature of an authorized representative. 

  • Current Certificate of Good Standing (PDF) with the Secretary of State

NIVF has provided downloadable sample applications to assist you in preparing your materials for submission.

To be considered, you must complete the official online application through Submittable at the links noted below. For any questions regarding the NIVF Emergency Relief Fund or application process, please refer to the NIVF ERF Guidelines or contact erf@nivf.org.

 

Donate to the Emergency Relief Fund

Originally formed through the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), the Emergency Relief Fund was launched in October 2020 to help struggling venues and promoters on the verge of collapse; the fund provided much-needed financial relief to those awaiting government programs. The NIVA Emergency Relief Fund awarded $3,170,000 to entities in 40 states; $2,800,000 to 148 independent venues and $370,000 to 18 independent promoters. The Emergency Relief Fund continues as a vital safety net for the independent live entertainment community.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Emergency Relief Fund. Independent venue owners and promoters are the first to help their communities, and it is truly inspiring to see that support reciprocated when needed the most. Those interested in contributing to the ERF should contact info@nivf.org for more information or make a secure online donation.