As we witness the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, it’s easy to feel helpless. But there are plenty of ways to make a difference right now. Here’s a list of charities, including music organizations, that are helping the victims in the Bahamas and in the Southeast U.S.
The best way to make an immediate impact is to donate cash. Charity Navigator and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy are great resources for vetting organizations. (The CDP also operates its own 2019 Atlantic Hurriance Season Recovery Fund.)
Organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Bahamas Red Cross, the National Association of the Bahamas, Save the Children, and the Humane Society are providing relief. (Here’s a list of groups working on the ground in the Bahamas or in partnership with organizations there.)
If you’re interested in contributing to music-related organizations, high-profile artists are already stepping up: Barbadian singer Rihanna pledged aid from her non-profit organization, the Clara Lionel Foundation, and rapper Ludacris donated $100,000 from the proceeds of his annual LudaDay Weekend charity event, which took place over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta.
Music cruise FriendShip, presented by AMFAMFAMF along with partner Royal Caribbean, have teamed with Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) to provide disaster relief to those affected in the Bahamas, and will match donated funds up to $500,000.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation's Music for Relief foundation, founded by the band Linkin Park, administers Hurricane Dorian Relief fund, which will support both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.
Many music charities focus on helping out musicians in need, year round: The Recording Academy's MusiCares organization offers critical assistance to music pros in times of need; support is confidential and you don’t have to be a member. MusiCares also offers a range of health and welfare services, from free dental screenings to Safe Harbor Rooms, which offer a support network for those in recovery while they’re participating in major music events.
The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.
If you’d like to set up your own music fundraiser, here’s a great guide.
Here’s to making a difference together.
Sarah Jones is a writer, editor, and content producer with more than 20 years' experience in pro audio, including as editor-in-chief of three leading audio magazines: Mix, EQ, and Electronic Musician. She is a lifelong musician and committed to arts advocacy and learning, including acting as education chair of the San Francisco chapter of the Recording Academy, where she helps develop event programming that cultivates the careers of Bay Area music makers.