FINANCIAL AID
Any individual who has derived his/her primary income as a professional singer for 5 years and more
may qualify for services. Requests for assistance must be emergency in nature and made by singers
who have dire financial needs. All services provided are confidential.

SOS helps singers whose circumstances are due to personal, family, and/or medical crises. Charitable grants
may be provided for basic needs including food, shelter, utilities, transportation, and medical/dental expenses
such as substance abuse rehab, psychotherapy and HIV/AIDS treatment. Grants are paid directly to creditors.
SOS cannot assist with credit card and tax debts, loans, coaching, demos, headshots and other music projects.

To request an application for assistance please call the Human Services department. Applications must
be submitted with 5 years of career documentation, current income verification for all household members,
current bank statements, latest tax return, and copies of any bills for which aid is being requested.

“Your caring support of me, my family and my work has been a tremendous help and inspiration.”

CASE MANAGEMENT & REFERRALS
Due to the unique circumstances of singers, each request is handled case-by-case by qualified social
workers. Free services are offered to applicants who require assistance in areas such as public benefits, money management, debt negotiation, and sideline career development. Brief counseling, planning, and community resources may also be provided. Click here for a list of helpful resources.

“SOS has taken a burden off my mind. I have been approved for state income support and
am waiting for approval from Social Security Disability and Medicaid. Thank you SOS!”

SOS-DONNER KATRINA RELIEF FUND
Thanks to a generous donation from Alex Donner and the William H. Donner Foundation, SOS was able to help hundreds of performers from the New Orleans and surrounding
areas. For the duration of this grant, assistance was provided toward basic needs and
reasonable household items requiring replacement or repair.
“Our goal was to help performers maintain their homes and other obligations
inthe New Orleans area and to assist those who wish to return home.”
Wendy Garfinkel, MSW, MA, Director, Programs & Development

SCHOLARSHIPS
SOS is known for aiding those who have already worked as professional singers, but with the
establishment of its scholarship program, SOS helps deserving students take that first step toward becoming professional vocalists.

The Vocal Arts Scholarship Program awards Masters students with grants to help meet the expense of their
education at nationwide universities and performing arts institutions. The cost of a college education today,
let alone a post-graduate education, is so high that it prevents many talented students from moving forward
with their studies. $1,500.00 grants toward tuition are awarded to students who demonstrate the highest level
of talent, academic achievement, and financial need. 100% of these grants are generously underwritten and
named by individual donors, foundations and corporations.

For more information about the Vocal Arts Scholarship Program, please call 818.995.7100 x 104.

“The cost of establishinga healthy solid foundation for a long-lasting singing career is often overwhelming, but it is support such as this scholarship that makes it all possible. Thank you SOS!” Rebecca Sjöwall