MusiCares has launched the Mac Miller Legacy Fund to help young people who are struggling with substance abuse, according to the MusiCares website.
Launched by the Recording Academy in 1993, MusiCares announced the non-profit on Thursday in Los Angeles during its annual MusiCares Concert for Recovery. Mac Miller’s close friend and rapper Vince Staples revealed the news during a tribute to the late musician.
The Mac Miller Fund—which was founded at the Pittsburgh Foundation by Miller’s family—will grant $50,000 to help establish the MusiCares Mac Miller Legacy Fund, per MusiCares' statement. The site also shares that the legacy fund “is dedicated to helping members of the music community age 27 and under who are facing addiction.”
The Mac Miller Fund currently has assets of almost $1 million from donations from the Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life concert that took place last October, and from contributions from the public.
Miller’s family issued a statement after MusiCares' announcement: “These grants celebrate Malcolm’s life and legacy by funding two respected organizations that provide opportunities for young people to realize their talents and potential. It’s critically important to our family to fund a safety net for artists and musicians who are struggling with substance addiction. No life should be cut short for lack of expert help.”
Miller died in September 2018 from an accidental overdose. He was 26 years old at the time. Before his death, the rapper was very open about his substance abuse and mental health issues.
