The Latest from FAM

EqualizeHer and Family Alliance in Music Award Family Support Grants

to address the caregiving needs impacting those in the music industry

NASHVILLE, Tenn — Family Alliance in Music (FAM), in partnership with EqualizeHer, is proud to announce the awarding of grants, which provide direct financial assistance to music industry professionals navigating extraordinary personal and family challenges. 

Family Alliance in Music was created to support parents and caregivers working across the music industry whose ability to work and sustain their careers has been impacted by caregiving responsibilities, health crises, or unforeseen hardship. This second grant cycle was funded in part by a $25,000 contribution from EqualizeHer, an organization co-founded by music visionary Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes) and philanthropist Alisha Ballard committed to amplifying women’s voices and increasing gender equity across all facets of the music industry. 

“Women in music are so often asked to be everything to everyone, including artist, caregiver, and provider, without a meaningful safety net to fall back on, said Alisha Ballard, co-founder of EqualizeHer. “We founded EqualizeHer to uplift women in the music industry, so we’re proud to partner with Family Alliance in Music to ensure real resources reach women and families during moments that could otherwise derail their lives and careers.” 

The $25,000 grant was awarded to a woman in music whose home and personal recording studio were damaged by the recent Los Angeles fires. While working to recover and rebuild a safe place to live and create, she is also serving as the primary caregiver for both parents.. The grant will be used to support housing stability, studio recovery, and essential caregiving needs during this period of transition. In addition Family Alliance in Music awarded two additional needs-based grants to music industry professionals facing significant family-related expenses. These funds will support a soon-to-be parent with medical and leave expenses and provide life changing therapy for the child of a music industry professional.

Haley Montgomery, co founder of Family Alliance in Music, said, “At Family Alliance in Music, we see every day how deeply caregiving responsibilities impact careers across our industry. Too often, there is no safety net when a family faces a medical crisis, a natural disaster, or the financial realities of parental leave. These grants allow parents and caregivers to stay in the music business they love while showing up for their families in moments that matter most. We are incredibly grateful to EqualizeHer for standing with us to ensure that real, direct support reaches the people who keep our industry moving.”

Family Alliance in Music serves parents and caregivers across all sectors of the music business, including artists, songwriters, touring professionals, executives, and behind-the-scenes workers. By addressing urgent family needs, FAM and EqualizeHer aim to help ensure caregiving responsibilities do not force talent professionals out of the industry. 

For media inquiries regarding Family Alliance in Music, please contact: Marcel Pariseau | marcel@truepublicrelations.com

First-Ever Juice Box Jam Unites Over 1,000 Attendees for a Family-Friendly Musical Celebration

Family Alliance in Music and Whiskey Jam Bring Live Music to the Whole Family

Nashville, TN - The inaugural Juice Box Jam, a collaborative effort between Family Alliance in Music (FAM) and Whiskey Jam, drew a crowd of over 1,000 attendees to SkyDeck on Broadway on April 6, 2025, for a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of live music. This groundbreaking event marked the first-ever family-focused edition of the iconic Whiskey Jam series.

Founded in 2011, Whiskey Jam has become a cornerstone of Nashville’s music culture, renowned for hosting weekly showcases that spotlight both rising talent and established artists. Traditionally an adult-centered nightlife staple, Juice Box Jam reimagined the experience for families, making it accessible, inclusive, and fun for all ages.

The lineup featured high-energy sets from Mickey Guyton, Charlie Worsham, Runaway June, LANCO, Daniel Tashian, Ryan Griffin, Alex Hall, Jaden Michaels, and Thelma & James. The event was hosted by Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther and SiriusXM host Ania Hammer, who guided the crowd through an afternoon filled with incredible performances and interactive family fun.

Between sets, families explored activities like face painting sponsored by Country Music Association, a craft station sponsored by Tennessee Titans, a photo booth and juice bar presented by Google Fiber, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s musical instrument petting zoo while RIAA sponsored the green room and artist support backstage.

“This day was about joy, connection, and creating a music space where families were not only welcomed, but celebrated,” said Margaret Hart, co-founder of Family Alliance in Music and YouTube Music’s Head of Nashville Label and Industry Partnerships. “Juice Box Jam was created so parents, caregivers, and kids could all experience the magic of live music together and the response from the community was incredible.”

Ward Guenther, founder of Whiskey Jam, shared:  “Juice Box Jam was the perfect way to bring the spirit of Whiskey Jam into a family-friendly setting. We were excited to create an experience that’s just as fun for the kids as it is for the parents. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

Grammy-nominated artist Mickey Guyton added: “As a mom and an artist, I know how important it is to make space for families in this industry. Events like Juice Box Jam prove that there are opportunities to share live music with our kids. It was such an honor to be part of something that’s helping bring families together for a live music experience.”

Family Alliance in Music (FAM) is a nonprofit dedicated to building a music industry where professional success and family life can thrive side by side. FAM offers advocacy, education, and financial support to caregivers navigating careers in music.

Donations from the event go to further FAM’s mission. FAM has its first grant open for applications through June 1, 2025. The grant is designed to support music professionals balancing career and caregiving responsibilities. The inaugural $25,000 grant will be awarded to a music industry professional in one of the following areas:

  • Fertility assistance for those pursuing parenthood.

  • Needs-based grants for live touring professionals facing financial hardship due to family demands. 

  • Family caregiving assistance to support those balancing their careers and caring for a loved one.

  • A small business looking to provide employee benefits that support family needs. 

The success of Juice Box Jam gives Music City a new option where music, family, and community take center stage, together.

For media inquiries regarding Family Alliance in Music, please contact: Marcel Pariseau | marcel@truepublicrelations.com 

Lainey Wilson’s ‘Heart Like a Truck’ Charitable Fund Fuels the Mission of Family Alliance in Music with Major Donation

Grant Now Open for Submissions HERE

Nashville, TN – Country music superstar and philanthropist Lainey Wilson has announced a significant donation to Family Alliance in Music (FAM) through her ‘Heart Like a Truck’ charitable fund. This heartfelt contribution furthers Lainey’s ongoing support for FAM, an organization she has championed since its inception. Known for her unwavering commitment to charitable causes, Lainey continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in the music industry and beyond.

FAM is on a mission to transform the music industry into a space where professional ambition and caring for a family can coexist. The organization has made tremendous strides in providing vital resources, building awareness, and fostering a supportive community for music industry professionals navigating the complexities of family life. With Lainey’s generous donation, FAM is now able to award its first $25,000 grant to help an industry professional in need, advancing its mission of creating meaningful change in an industry that touches lives worldwide.

The inaugural $25,000 grant will be awarded to a music industry professional in one of the following areas:

  • Fertility assistance for those pursuing parenthood.

  • Needs-based grants for live touring professionals facing financial hardship due to family demands.

  • Family caregiving assistance to support those balancing their careers and caring for a loved one.

  • A Small business looking to provide employee benefits that support family needs.

"Family Alliance in Music is tackling one of the most important yet often overlooked challenges in the music industry, ensuring that those who bring so much joy and life to the world through music are supported in their own lives," said Lainey Wilson. "I’m proud to stand behind FAM as they provide grants, raise awareness, and build a better future for families in this industry. It’s time we make caring for a family and pursuing professional dreams a reality for everyone."

FAM’s work addresses a critical gap in the industry, where artists, musicians, and executives often struggle to balance personal and professional lives due to the demanding nature of their careers. By providing financial grants, fostering community, and elevating conversations about family care, FAM is empowering individuals to thrive in all aspects of their lives while continuing to move the music industry forward.

"With Lainey Wilson’s support, we’re ready to make an even greater impact," said Jackie Jones, FAM Co-Founder and SVP of Artist and Industry Relations at RIAA. "This first grant is a pivotal step in building a music industry that enables professionals to care for their families while also growing in their artistry and ambition. When we remove barriers to balancing family and career, we create space for more voices to rise into leadership roles, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable industry. We are deeply grateful to Lainey for believing in our mission and for her generosity."

Lainey Wilson’s Heart Like A Truck Foundation has become synonymous with giving back, having supported numerous charities dedicated to causes such as education, health, and now family care in the music industry. Her support of FAM reflects her deep understanding of the challenges faced by those working in music, as well as her dedication to creating meaningful change.

With the help of supporters like Lainey Wilson, FAM is poised to revolutionize the way the music industry supports its professionals. Together, we can create an industry where caring for a family is no longer a challenge but a celebrated part of the journey.

For more information, visit www.familyallianceinmusic.org and www.laineywilson.com/hlat.

For media inquiries regarding Family Alliance in Music, please contact: Marcel Pariseau | marcel@truepublicrelations.com