Battle of the Fans Takes Center Stage this Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2020 - A day that is nationally celebrated by donating to causes near and dear - channelling that holiday spirit and cheer. Indiana Independent Venue Association calls on live music fans across the state to participate in Battle of the Fans, a fundraising challenge that supports independent, Indiana-based live music venues through industry-specific grant programs. This peer-to-peer fundraiser kicked off in late October, with support from Sweetwater Music and Mandolin, and has raised over $10,000 for their goal of $100,000. As the pandemic continues to keep this industry closed, they encourage fans to join the cause on Giving Tuesday.
The past eight months have proven to be obstacle after obstacle for for Indiana’s live music venues, and their fellow independent music businesses. After countless mandated closures and capacity restrictions, set by local and state governments, many are faced with the chances of not reopening. Venues, booking agents, and promoters had already struggled getting acts into their buildings with travel restrictions and tours cancelling or postponing without a vaccine in sight. The touring industry is now essentially closed until spring, which puts these venues into a hibernation they are not too familiar with faring. The snowball effect continues, as no shows means no work for venue staff - leading to inevitable second round furloughs and layoffs. As the Pandemic surges this winter, and Federal assistance looks bleak, the current solutions appear very limited. With no solid financial relief, or shows to book, this is a critical time for fans’ support.
With a goal of $100,000, Indiana Independent Venue Alliance is calling on fans to take the center stage this Giving Tuesday, and get involved with Battle of the Fans. Fans can donate directly through IIVA’s website, but are encouraged to join in on the fun and friendly competition for chances to win prizes, while supporting the venues they love.
How Can Fans Get Involved?
1. Sign up to join Battle of the Fans. Choose your level of fundraising commitment.
2. Update your profile page with your story, memories from your favorite venues, fun photos and favorite ticket stubs.
3. Share your personal fundraising page with your network and across social media channels.
4. As donations are made on your behalf, or when you recruit other fans to join, your status is tracked on a virtual leaderboard where you are competing against other fans for the grand prize.
6. Battle of the Fans ends on December 30, and the fan with the most points through fundraising and recruiting will be named the Battle of the Fans Grand Champion.
Our top award includes a pair of tickets to more than 10 of Indiana’s top music venues for every show in 2021. Additional prizes including concert memorabilia, autographed Indianapolis Colts memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates and more.
Funds raised through Battle of the Fans are used to create specialty grant programs for their members, like the Marquee Relief Fund and Emergency Live Music Relief Fund. The Marquee Relief Fund (MRF) focuses on supporting live music and entertainment venues and has had two successful rounds of microgrants to date. The Emergency Live Music Relief Fund (ELMR) is focused around music businesses; including live music promoters, festivals and the live events labor force.
IIVA recently announced the first recipients of its Marquee Relief Fund grants which awarded $25,000 in microgrants to Indiana venues including The Bluebird, The Melody Inn, Hoosier Dome, Mike’s Dance Barn, The Patron Saint, The Pavilion at Pan Am, Duke’s Indy, White Rabbit Cabaret, The Slippery Noodle, and The Mousetrap. Recipients of the second round of MRF Grant will be announced later this week.
IIVA’s grant programs are funded through donations, merchandise sales, and local fundraisers in the surrounding communities. In addition to Battle of the Fans this Giving Tuesday, if you’d like to host a fundraiser, or create a special promotion with your business, to help support the IIVA contact karah@indianavenuealliance.org or consider making a tax-deductible donation directly via our website.