ACM Lifting Lives Surpasses $1 Million in Contributions to Three Local Organizations Supporting the Country Music Industry

ACM Lifting Lives Surpasses $1 Million in Contributions to Three Local Organizations Supporting the Country Music Industry 

NASHVILLE, TN (March 18, 2025) – ACM Lifting Lives®, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, has a long history of supporting organizations that improve lives through the power of music. For more than a decade, this support has included funding for Nashville-based nonprofits that offer direct services to the Country Music community. Recent grants provided to Music Health Alliance, Porter’s Call, and ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop) not only mark more than a decade of support for these organizations but also bring their collective funding from ACM Lifting Lives to more than $1 Million in total. 

"Serving the Country Music industry has always been at the heart of what ACM Lifting Lives does, and we are better equipped to do so by supporting incredible non-profits that have aligning goals,” says Taylor Wolf, Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “It’s been said that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. The ongoing impact made through the relationships with Music Health Alliance, Porter’s Call, and Eccho Live has taken support of this community further than we could have done without each other. The work isn’t done, but the industry can count on our dedicated support.”

Founded in 2013, the mission of Music Health Alliance is to #HealTheMusic by providing access to healthcare through programs and services that protect, direct, and connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions. ACM Lifting Lives’ annual donations have not only supported the overall mission of MHA since 2014 but also funded 125 mental health grants for a total of 1,254 sessions in 2024 alone. The most recent contribution to MHA will cover additional mental health needs and continued administrative expenses. Additionally, ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund remains a resource for MHA clients that are needing additional financial support.

"ACM Lifting Lives has been a champion of Music Health Alliance from the very beginning, providing unwavering support for over a decade,” says Tatum Allsep, Founder & CEO of Music Health Alliance.  “Their commitment has truly lifted the lives of the music community we serve. The Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund has also been a lifeline for hundreds upon hundreds of MHA clients, providing financial support at the most critical and vulnerable moments of need. ACM Lifting Lives, your mission isn’t just a statement—it’s a daily reality for those we serve. Thank you for making a lasting impact for Country Music and beyond."

Porter’s Call is a place where artists can find support and encouragement, specifically attuned to their unique profession. It’s a safe and confidential refuge where they can deal with the issues and stresses they face in their careers and personal lives, with all services provided free of charge. ACM Lifting Lives’ partnership with Porter’s Call began when the organization was initially selected as a recipient during ACM Lifting Lives’ 2013 grant cycle. This funding has increased over the years, and in 2022, the ACM Lifting Lives Benevolence Fund was created to specifically meet mental health needs that fall outside the traditional scope of who Porter’s Call serves. In 2024, a Part-Time Porter was hired with funding from ACM Lifting Lives, and this most recent gift will continue to support staffing, programmatic work, and a new mental health workshop for artists.

“It is an honor to lead an organization that has pioneered care and support for the health of touring artists,” add Beth Barcus and Chad Karger, Co-Executive Directors and Porters at Porter’s Call. “Our unique approach of providing free mental & emotional health services for artists and their partners would not be possible without the oversight of our board of directors and generous endorsements from partners who understand the importance of investing in artists’ wellbeing. Together, we remain focused on continuing our efforts for the benefit of artists and the music industry.” 

A more recent partner for ACM Lifting Lives is ECHHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop), an organization dedicated to supporting live event professionals at every stage of their careers, offering resources and guidance for both career and personal challenges with a mission to empower current professionals, mentor future talent, and encourage collaboration and stewardship. This relationship began in 2023 at the inception of the All Access program, which funds counseling sessions for those working in live entertainment. This latest gift aims to bolster the All Access program, already facilitating more than 178 sessions to date and fostering mental health and well-being within the live event industry.

"The support from ACM LL has been a game-changer in fueling our mission, empowering us to go beyond expectations and build a stronger foundation for the unsung heroes of live events,” says Chris Lisle, Founder and Executive Director of ECCHO Live. “Their backing ensures that the crew behind the scenes—the backbone of this industry—has access to the essential resources and support they deserve. With this momentum, we’re set to make 2025 an even bigger year for those who make the magic happen night after night."

If you are working in the Country Music industry and need support, please reach out: ACMLiftingLives.org/help

About ACM Lifting Lives®

ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music. We harness the power of our Country Music community and partners to provide aid in times of need, with a focus on health-related initiatives. With generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives has funded national music therapy programs serving various mental and physical health organizations. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.