ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. We harness the strength of the Country Music community to provide aid in times of need, with a focus on health-related initiatives.

ACM Lifting Lives was founded in 2006 out of the generosity of the Academy of Country Music, the ACM Board, and the Country Music community including fans, artists, and industry members. The Academy of Country Music supports the work of ACM Lifting Lives and the two organizations are both dedicated to improving lives through music.

ACM Lifting Lives serves both communities in need such as children, veterans, families and more with physical or mental health needs, and the Country Music community and those working within it. ACM Lifting Lives’ focus is on Music and the Mind with music therapy, emergency relief and health and wellness being three main tentpoles. Funds are administered at both the organizational and individual level.

Through a grant cycle, ACM Lifting Lives identifies a variety of organizations that are leveraging music therapy in meaningful ways. ACM Lifting Lives also has a number of long-term partnerships with other non-profits that have aligning missions. Read about those beneficiaries here.

On the individual level, ACM Lifting Lives provides emergency relief to those in the Country Music community who have faced an unforeseen medical or financial emergency through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. During Covid-19, ACM Lifting Lives gave out $3.8 million to assist those in the Country Music community who lost work due to the pandemic. If you work in country music and are in need of assistance, please contact us here.

Please visit the Grant Application page or email us at [email protected].

This emergency relief fund enables ACM Lifting Lives to respond quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of individuals working in country music. The fund’s resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. Recipients apply for support and funds are distributed at the discretion of the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund Committee.

This fund was established to honor Diane Holcomb’s memory by her daughter, Gayle Holcomb, who is a founding member, past-Chair, and current board member of ACM Lifting Lives. Gayle also served as the Chair of the Board for the Academy of Country Music and has been involved with ACM charitable endeavors for decades.

Donations can be made on the Donate Now page. Donations can be made specifically to our Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund or in the form of a general donation. To find out more, please contact [email protected].