Dansk Musiker Forbund (DMF) – Collective Funds

This is rights money paid back out to the musicians who earned it. The Danish Musicians' Union distributes collective income from Gramex through four separate pools, and you pick one when you log in to apply. Music releases covers master tape recording and putting out an LP, CD or DVD; demos do not count, and the release must not already be public. Concerts covers live performance, generally as a contribution toward the musicians' fees. Professional development covers courses, further training and study trips of a musical nature. The fourth pool covers other music-promotion work: special activity at home or abroad, getting a project established, grassroots initiatives and festivals.

Any performing artist, orchestra, ensemble or soloist can apply. The guidelines publish no amounts and no ceiling, and they say the funds will not as a rule cover your whole budget, so you are expected to be raising money elsewhere as well. Ruled out entirely: instruments, catering, books, websites, video and film work, managers, fundraisers, work grants, PR and marketing, and anything already completed when you apply. Take money from one pool and you cannot apply to that same pool again for two years, though the pools are independent and you may apply to several at once.

Applications go only through the union's online system, and the guidelines are published in English. Upload documentation as PDFs: contracts, course registrations, travel plans. Release applications need two mp3 files. A distribution committee and an artistic committee read and listen to everything. Answers take about 30 days, or roughly two months for releases, and rejections come without reasons.