A FUND FOR FOLKIES

Folk Alliance International has committed $25,000 from its reserve in the hope of raising an additional $75,000 in public support to initially distribute 200 grants of $500 each.

The Village Fund will open applications in April for Folk Alliance International members and those who have participated in FAI events over the past three years. A simple “financial need” verification process will place all applicants into an eligible pool, and recipients will then be drawn by lottery. Strategic priorities will be addressed as part of the process.

A public kick-off event will provide donors “fan access” to the Folk Unlocked showcases, a virtual music festival taking place 2/22-26 with more than 800 hours of performances.

The lineup features artists such as zydeco wizard Terrence Simien; Mississippi bluesman Cedric Burnside; The Voice winner Sawyer Fredericks; and Los Lobos. Donors to The Village Fund also gain access to the International Folk Music Awards.

“We are a community of creative entrepreneurs reeling from the pandemic, so announcing The Village Fund is a welcome relief for many,” former FAI Board member Dom Flemons said.

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