Frequently asked questions

Answered by a team member at National Independent Venue Foundation

• What is your mission?

  The mission of NIVF is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live performance venues and promoters throughout the United States by supporting a transparent, competitive marketplace serving a diverse and inclusive community of artists, fans, and industry workers.

• How are donations used?

  Donations support our core work, this includes Workforce Development virtual trainings and the Venue Operations eXperience (VOX) certificate and mentorship programming, an Emergency Relief Fund for independent venues and promoters, and developing resources for education, community engagement, and pathways to diverse ownership.

• What can be done with a $100 donation?

  So much! $100 supports:
  - Instructor time and expertise in our Workforce Development virtual training sessions
  - Paid internships through our Venue Operations eXperience (VOX) certificate and mentorship program
  - Emergency Relief Fund support for getting funds to venues and promoters experiencing an emergency beyond their control
  - Network-building capacity to support a thriving independent live entertainment sector

• What progress has been made already thanks to your donors?

  Through 2022 and into 2023, we have hosted 10 virtual trainings, reaching over 1000 registrants from 190 venues. Training topics have included settling shows, bar pricing, venue safety, and training on disability inclusion, physical accessibility, microaggressions, and mental health in the music industry. This is direct service to the existing independent live entertainment workforce, and designed to be widely accessible and welcoming. Attendees have been 59% female, genderfluid, or gender nonbinary, and 17% BIPOC. The trainings are also recorded to provide an ongoing resource library for independent venue staff. Starting in 2020, we have distributed over $3M in emergency relief support to venues and promoters in crisis.

• What is the history of your organization?

  In November 2020, the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) was established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) by the affiliated trade association, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), with a membership base comprised of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, and promoters. NIVF seeks to partner and fundraise through individual, corporate, and foundation donations in order to build and maintain initiatives in support of the mission.