Welcome to the Equal Access fundraiser, a dedicated effort to transform the landscape of country music by championing inclusivity and equity. October is Country Music Month, and we need 500 people to donate $50 each, to reach our $25,000 goal by the end of the month! 

What is Equal Access?  A ten month long initiative devoted to empowering artists and managers from historically excluded demographics in the country music industry by providing financial resources, support, and networking opportunities.  We are seeking to not just change who you see on the stages, but also change who is behind the scenes. Each year, a cohort of at least two artists and two artist managers are chosen via application process and by a review board.  Once selected, each cohort member receives:

1. Funding (historically at least $20,000) to grow their business
2. Dedicated staff to create bespoke plans for marketing, budgeting, strategy, digital services, touring and more
3. Invitations to at least two partner events per month with industry leaders, resulting in over 100+ new industry contacts by the end of the program. 

For more information on our program, please visit our website, follow our Instagram, and join our newsletter.

Why is this needed?  58% of Hispanic adults and 49% of Black adults listen to country music (CMA Study 2025), but People of Color make up less than 4% of the commercial country music industry (Songdata, Dr. Jada Watson, 2021).   And unfortunately, we have even less data on LGBTQIA+ representation.   But we know that the industry is not reflective of the audience, and we want to help change that. 

The path to equality in country music is long, but with your help, we can make substantial strides forward. Every donation makes a difference, providing vital financial support to people who need it. By contributing to this cause, you're not just supporting individuals; you're advocating for a cultural shift towards fairness and representation. But what exactly does your contribution fund?  Funding from our program allows folks to record new music, create music videos, hire teams, tour, quit their day jobs, and live their dreams.   You can watch some of the music videos created HERE, and listen to some of the songs HERE. Depending on how much we raise, this money will either go towards the current cohort's funds, or towards a new cohort in the future.  

Why are we doing this fundraiser now? Previously, we've largely been able to fund our program via corporate donations.  But due to funding changes for equity initiatives in the corporate landscape, that is no longer the case.  So, we are turning to our community. We want to be able to continue giving out grants to new artists and managers, but we are currently in a tough spot financially and might not be able to continue our program. That's why we need you.

Join us in our mission to provide equal access in country music. Your generosity has the power to change lives and reshape the industry for the better.  In a genre that is said to be built on three chords and the truth, stand with us in support of a future where all truths can be told. 

Equal Access is a fiscally sponsored project of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, a nonprofit organization. Contributions to Equal Access are tax-deductible (to the extent permitted by law). 

Your involvement is key to the success of Equal Access. Thank you for your support and for believing in a country music industry where everyone can thrive equally. Let's ensure that stories from all walks of life are told, celebrated, and enjoyed by all.