The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), has developed a simplified and accessible application process for the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). NIVF ERF Grants are available for up to $25,000 for independent, live performance venues, promoters, and festivals, both for-profit and nonprofit, across the United States experiencing a critically severe emergency due to circumstances beyond their control. We are no longer providing funding for COVID relief.

Eligibility guidelines
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, promoters, and festivals 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, promoters, and festivals 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, promoters, and festivals, 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.

 The ERF Committee reserves the right to ask for further clarification, substantiation, or documentation in the review process. Please see the full eligibility guidelines to ensure your request meets the guidelines.

The Emergency Relief Fund is able to operate through the support of generous donors – including recipients supporting the fund!

Grant description: Everyone is welcome, members and non-members of the National Independent Venue Association, to apply for the National Independent Venue Foundation's conference travel grants. These grants are intended to make it easier for people from around the country to join NIVA '24 in New Orleans, June 3-5, 2024. Opening party on June 2nd.

The conference travel grant will provide up to $500 flight reimbursement of a roundtrip economy airline ticket, or estimated fuel costs to drive to New Orleans. These reimbursement grants were provided by our generous donor, Dave Mattingly of Eddie’s Attic, and will be provided to those in need of financial assistance for travel to attend the conference.

Guidelines and eligibility:

• Applicants should be individuals attending NIVA '24, and can be members or non-members of NIVA.
• Applicants must have registered for NIVA '24 and show proof of registration (confirmation email or screenshot).
• Applicants must show purchase of an economy airline ticket for NIVA '24 in the June 2-6 window (confirmation email or screenshot), or use the US Department of Energy Fuel Economy Trip Calculator to estimate gas costs (screenshot).
• Applicants must be able to provide a W9 for payment if selected.
• A limited number of grants are available and will be prioritized based on first time attendees, and applicant needs. 
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with monthly selection as funds last.

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) are committed to equity in their support and advocacy for independent venues, and seek to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities. NIVA and NIVF make an ongoing commitment to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through all of our programs and giving.

Timeline: Applications will be accepted April 5-May 19 on a rolling basis, based on availability of limited funds.

APPLY TODAY!