About Houston Music Foundation

Houston Music Foundation is a crisis relief fund created to help our city’s musicians and music industry workers in times of need. The goal of Houston Music Foundation is to raise funds for local musicians and industry workers residing in Harris County during times of crisis, and to get donations into the hands of those in need as quickly as possible. Qualified applicants may be eligible for a one-time grant of $500 based on need and assessed by the Houston Music Foundation internal grant committee. The number of grants distributed is determined by available funds. *We are not able to distribute grants for every applicant. We will continue to make fundraising our top priority so we can distribute as many grants as possible during this time.

This fund was initially created as an extension of 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Artists for Artists created to support musicians by way of Houston Music Foundation’s Crisis Relief Fund.

”There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into the local music industry. From the stages, lights and sound to artist management and recording studios, our entire industry’s ecosystem needs to be protected as we weather this storm.” – Mark C. Austin

Mark and Rachel Austin are the founders of Houston Music Foundation Crisis Fund. As the COVID-19 situation unfolded Mark and Rachel became increasingly concerned about the local Houston music scene. Mark C. Austin is a Senior Talent Buyer for Kessler Presents, and also runs artist management and promotions company, The Convoy Group. Rachel Austin is the owner and founder of Hometown Social, a creative marketing and public relations agency that services hospitality, retail and music. In addition to grants for local musicians, Mark and Rachel have expanded the crisis relief fund to cover music industry professionals, including but not limited to gig-workers, creatives, and venue staff. Like many industries experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic, the music and event community has taken a significant hit as live performances, concerts and music festivals have been canceled and postponed across the United States.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Support the cause by shopping direct. When an artist cannot perform, their only stream of revenue is merchandise and albums. Visit your Favorite artist’s website and see what they are offering!

SUPPORT LOCAL RECORD STORES

Cactus Music

Vinal Edge

Sig’s Lagoon

Cactus Music, Vinal Edge, Sig’s Lagoon and other music stores are a vital part of the local music scene. Consider buying a gift cards online for when this passes to give these vital pieces of the music community a cash infusion. Some of these stores are running discounts on gift cards as well as offering other deals.

CONTACT

Press Inquiries:

Rachel Austin  • rachel@hometownsocial.net • 713.305.0419

Press Inquiries:

Rachel Austin 
rachel@hometownsocial.net
713.305.0419

Please note that we cannot accept applications through our contact form or answer questions about grant status through our press contact number.