As an HMG member, you can apply for a grant sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF). This fund is shared by all local unions of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
The fund subsidizes between 50% and 100% of musicians’ fees in accordance with minimum standards.
MPTF STORY
The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) was established in 1948 as a nonprofit independent public service organization whose mission includes contributing to the public knowledge and appreciation of music, as well as making music a part of every child’s life experience. Headquartered in New York City, the tax-exempt MPTF, operating under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, evolved from a landmark collective bargaining agreement between the American Federation of Musicians and the major recording companies of the day. Today the MPTF is a vital organization that brings music to the public and supplements the income of musicians, all at no cost to those receiving this precious gift of music.
Funded via a royalty stream from the signatory record labels, led by the three major labels, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and the Warner Music Group, the MPTF today presents thousands of live, admission-free musical programs annually in the United States and Canada. Under the terms of their agreement, the recording companies pay a royalty from the sale of sound recordings to the Fund. These funds are supplemented by co-sponsoring organizations and administered by a Trustee, who is independent of both the recording industry and the AFM.
Music of all styles is brought to a total audience numbering in the millions and covering all age groups and segments of society. Music ranging from pop to classical, jazz to Broadway, is staged at venues including (but not limited to) parks, schools, concert halls, shopping malls, veterans’ hospitals, nursing homes and more. The Fund sponsored or co-sponsored over 2,000 free live events in our 2018-19 fiscal year. MPTF performances are never used to raise money, sell merchandise or promote political or religious events.
Working in tandem with union locals in various cities, the MPTF places music in the schools, with priority given to music that enhances education and affords students an opportunity to enjoy live music and interact with professional musicians.
Music industry veteran Dan Beck, Trustee of the Music Performance Trust Fund has taken stewardship over the Fund and its commitment to the cause of free live musical performances, inspiring millions and culturally enriching communities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
GUIDE TO THE GRANT – MPTF:
The purpose of the trust fund is to promote “live music” and to provide music where music is the prime purpose for public attendance. See the list of performance types NOT approved below.
The MPTF has been providing grants to help create free music performances for the public’s entertainment and education for over 70 years. Almost all of our events are co-sponsored, as we require the involvement of local participants that include arts councils, symphonic organizations, municipalities, veterans groups, school systems, and healthcare organizations, among others.
Our funding is meant to ensure that the professional musicians who are performing are reasonably paid on par with local scale while assuring that there is no cost to enjoy the music. The idea is to enhance our communities and enrich lives through music. Our co-sponsored events run the gamut of musical styles, from classical and opera to Dixieland, pop, rock, country, jazz, and R&B. Our events often introduce musical styles that are not easily accessible and many times our events come with an educational element to them.
MPTF events are held in parks, schools, and public halls, as well as in hospitals and at retirement centers. We have a mandate to distribute our funds proportionately across the U.S. and Canada.
Recipients of our grants are required to handle the necessary payroll requirements of hiring professional musicians, including appropriate payments to pension funds and taxes. We will provide the financial and contact information necessary to make this happen.
MPTF-funded events must be free of charge and without any conditions for admittance. They cannot be fund-raising events or raffles regardless of the merit. We do not fund performances for conventions, political campaigns, class reunions, commencement exercises, workshops or seminars, or for private clubs. A list of these restrictions and related ones follow this general guide to our grants.
We require grant applications be submitted at least 60 days prior to the performance. Grant recipients should include the MPTF in event programs, press releases, websites, posted signs, and other public notifications, along with other event sponsors.
We look forward to receiving good quality photos and other materials that can help us inform the public of your good work and the legacy of the events the MPTF eagerly supports. We always welcome ideas and creative opportunities to expand the public and media awareness of these great performances and the work of our partners. We also have printed posters and material to help enhance the public’s awareness of our participation.
Once the event happens, we require written certification that the performance was completed, upon which we initiate the payment of our grants.
Successful events are considered in evaluating future grants, based on timeliness of the application, overall cooperation, follow up and media support, and the quality of the events themselves.
Recommendations for Projects for MPTF performances of the following types will NOT be approved:
- When admission is charged or there is a condition for admittance.
- When donations, before, during and after performances are solicited.
- For composers’ forums or performances to promote composers’ new works.
- For a fund-raising activity regardless of the merit.
- For workshops, individual instructions or clinical type performances.
- For testimonials, proms, mixers, class reunions, commencement or graduation exercises, appreciation or award functions.
- For conventions, seminars, lectures of any organization.
- For a selective group – closed membership.
- For raffles.
- Where there is a requirement to purchase food or alcoholic beverages.
- Where an AFM Local Union or Member of such Union acts as co-sponsor.
- For sectarian or ecumenical religious services.
- For church-connected feasts or holy days.
- Where the performance is recorded for commercial use.
- For live TV or radio broadcasts without the Trustees’ prior approval 10 days in advance of performance.
- A political rally, parade, meeting, convention, social function or celebration for any political group, any business group or any labour union.
- Where the expenditure for a performance is deemed excessive by the Trustee.
- Where the size of the musical group or the type of music is deemed inappropriate for the audience to be serviced.
- Contact at Local 293, HMG:
The easiest way to apply for a grant is to seek the assistance of the American Federation of Musicians Local in your geographic area. They are often experienced in our application process and can also be helpful in planning and organizing the musical aspect of your event.
Larry Feudo, Local 293 President
local293hmg@bellnet.ca
905-525-4040