Call for applications: SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund 2023

The MCSF call is only designed for associate and full members of SAMRO and prospective members should not apply. It seeks to help associate and full members of SAMRO to reignite their creativity and create new musical works to earn an income. 

Note: Prospective members should not apply. 

The fund, worth R2.5m ($136 000), will be disbursed among 100 qualifying members to receive a microgrant of R25 000 each. Inclusive of this year’s contribution, the MCSF will have distributed more than R7m to more than 300 qualifying SAMRO members since its inception in 2021.

Full and associate SAMRO members can now apply for MCSF grants. Full and associate members are earning members who are eligible to attend and vote at the SAMRO AGM and receive member benefits such as the SAMRO retirement annuity fund and the funeral benefit. Unlike associate members, only full members can be voted to sit on the SAMRO board. 

How to apply?

Applicants should request an application form via email at mcsf@samro.org.za and complete it before 12 May. The final projects should be completed no later than 31 September 2023.

Applications should note the following:

• This application and funding applies to SAMRO full and associate members only.
• A new and original music work is one that has not been published, publicly performed or broadcast, and can include a new original composition, or the completion of an unpublished work – for example an EP, album, video or score.
• Applications will be assessed on merit by a committee of music industry professionals based on several criteria, including whether the work is a new and original concept, how likely the final product is to succeed and how realistic and implementable the work plan is.
• The adjudication committee’s decisions will be considered final.
• Members who have previously received MCSF support can apply but priority will be given to successful applicants who have not yet received MCSF support. 
• SAMRO members should apply for themselves – no third party applications (music managers, promoters, etc.) will be accepted.
• The funds should play a subsidy/support role, and should not be expected to cover the full costs of the creation/production.
• If the application is approved, SAMRO must be acknowledged in the final version of the work.
• If the application is approved, SAMRO will require a copy of the final product for the SAMRO Music Archive and permission for the work(s) to be available for use as part of SAMRO’s marketing with a detailed budget including all anticipated expenditure outlining how the SAMRO grant will be used.
• Only one application per member will be accepted, and double dipping (two members applying for the same project) will disqualify both  members from the support.

Applicants should have a clear plan:

• About the product/the final music work (e.g. recording, video, sheet music, etc.).
• With deadlines and outcomes during a three-month period.
• With a list of committed parties collaborating in the creation of the work.
• On how to promote the work to ensure its success.
• With a detailed budget including all anticipated expenditure outlining how the SAMRO grant will be used.
• Of who (if anyone) will share the royalties. 

Applications will be assessed on merit by a committee of music industry professionals based on the following criteria: 

• Does the work have a new and original concept?
• How likely is the final product to succeed?
• How realistic and implementable is the work plan?
• How realistic is the budget?
• How clear is the anticipated rights distribution of the completed work?

Finally you will be required to declare: 

• That all the information provided in this application is correct and true to the best of your knowledge.
• That the music work shall in whole be completely new and original, even though it may embody quotations from, or references to, a pre-existing musical work or works.
• That the work will not constitute an infringement of the copyright of any person or legal entity.
• That the content of the work will not contain anything of a defamatory nature, nor anything that may bring SAMRO into disrepute.

Email mcsf@samro.org.za or phone 011 712 8441 for more information about the SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund.