PRS LAUNCHES EMERGENCY FUND

U.K. PRO PRS for Music has launched the PRS Emergency Relief Fund to support its songwriter and composer members during the coronavirus pandemic. Grants of up to £1k ($1,200) will be available around the world.

The fund is open to those who have been a PRS member for at least two years and have earned more than £500 in the last two years. Grants will be awarded based on assessment of individual need. It's part of a wider plan to support members during the coming weeks, with further measures being explored.

PRS members wishing to apply for an Emergency Relief Fund grant can find more details here. Grant applications will go live at 9am GMT on Thursday. The fund does not affect royalty payments and April's payment will proceed as usual.

The move follows similar support from German performing rights org GEMA, which has launched a €40m ($43m) fund for its songwriter and composer members.

“Our members are under threat as many parts of the music scene grind to a halt,” PRS for Music CEO Andrea C. Martin said. “Members need to eat, support their families and pay rents—without industry support the future is challenging during this terrible time. Together we can get through this.”

Money has been diverted to the PRS Emergency Relief Fund from paused, canceled or postponed activities.