Financial Support

What funding opportunities does Unison offer?

Unison currently offers two (2) financial support programs to Unison members, both requiring that you’ve made a minimum of 55% of your income from music.

1. THE SLAIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION LEGACY PROGRAM

This program was created to support the veteran members of Canada’s music community, as well as members who are coping with unexpected or chronic illness.

The Legacy Program is targeted at those who are finding it difficult to maintain an adequate standard of living, are in need of constant or emergent medical intervention, and those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Applicants who have been contributing members of Canada’s music community for a minimum of 10 years, and are over the age of 60 and/or are coping with unexpected or chronic illness are eligible.

If you believe you are eligible for this program, please complete the Emergency Financial Support Program eligibility form on the Unison portal. We will review and contact you if your eligibility for the Legacy Fund is confirmed. Alternatively, if you require assistance with the application process, please contact the Program Manager at 416-479-0675 ext. 106 or by email at assistance@unisonfund.ca

2. UNISON’S EMERGENCY FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

This program was created to support members who have worked a minimum of 5 consecutive years in the Canadian music industry and are facing an emergency situation. The Emergency Financial Support Program exists to help Canadian music industry professionals. This program prioritizes medical support, basic living expenses and rent. Extenuating circumstances will also be considered on a case by case basis based on available funds.

If an applicant is eligible, they will be required to provide documents such as a hospital or doctor’s note, Notice of Assessment for most recent tax return, incident report, utility service suspension notice, proof of overdue rent, rental agreement, eviction notice, etc. to show proof of an emergency situation.

PLEASE NOTE: All approved support will be paid directly to a creditor/third party (e.g. landlord, medical supplier, etc.). Financial support will NOT be sent directly to applicants.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply, please email us to discuss your individual situation at assistance@unisonfund.ca

What Unison’s financial support programs cannot provide

Unison is not intended to address needs created by unemployment, ongoing debt, or long-term or recurring situations. Unison provides financial support for emergency situations only.

It is expected that applicants will make all reasonable efforts to access other resources, such as looking for additional work to supplement income, undergoing financial counselling, and applying for all relevant government benefits.

Unison does not provide financial support for business related expenses. If you are looking for work related support, please reach out to your local music provincial association for guidance on what funding is available both provincially and nationally.

Is financial support available to music workers across all provinces in Canada?

Unison’s Financial Support Programs are available to all Canadian residents.

  • Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Work Permit for a minimum period of five years
  • Must reside in Canada at least 6 months of the year and have a Canadian address and banking account
What’s the difference between registering and applying for financial support?
  1. Registering simply gives you access to our free counselling & health solution services and signs you up to our mailing list.
  1. Applying for financial support is a separate step that requires you to meet specific eligibility requirements and fill out additional information, by submitting an application.
Where do I start?
  1. You can start by becoming a Unison member. REGISTER HERE
  1. Once you’ve received an email confirming your registration, you can then login to the online portal to start your application process
I can’t use the online application portal, what should I do?

If you’re unable to use a computer, are having difficulty signing in or any other technical difficulties, or if you require accommodations related to a disability, please contact the Program Manager at 416-479-0675 ext. 106 or by email at assistance@unisonfund.ca.

How many times can I apply?

Multiple applications from the same applicant are allowed. Annual funding limits apply regardless of how many applications are submitted.

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed by our Programs & Services team based on the stated priorities of the program and subject to available funds. If revisions are necessary, you will be notified in the portal.

Your commitment to Unison

We require applicants to be honest with us and our agencies, in all regards, at all times. We also ask that you be patient with us as we move your application through the process. Please wait to hear from us directly about any updates.

Unison has a zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse or harassment, and any applicant who utters threats or is disrespectful towards our staff will be deemed ineligible for Unison programs and services. We ask you to remain respectful towards our staff.

REGISTER NOW
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