Otis College of Art and Design Alumni Relations has organized an ongoing list of grants and resources for artists and designers affected by Covid-19. This list will be updated as we learn of additional opportunities; please check back regularly. Contact Director of Alumni Relations, Hazel Mandujano, hmandujano@otis.edu with any questions and to share information on other available grants and resources that may be of interest to our alumni community.
COVID-19 Emergency Fund
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San Francisco Arts & Artists Relief Fund
Administered by CCI, this emergency fund was launched March 25, 2020, by San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) and Grants for the Arts (GFTA) to mitigate COVID-19 related financial losses that artists and small to mid-size arts and culture organizations have suffered. NEW DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL APRIL 15, 2020 AT 5 P.M. PST.
https://www.cciarts.org/EmergencyRelief.htm
San Francisco arts organizations are also invited to apply for the Arts Loan Fund 's COVID-19 Emergency Loan at https://www.artsloanfund.org/covid-19-emergency. -
The Actors Fund: Emergency Financial Assistance
For members of the performing arts and entertainment industries--not just actors! Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay basic living expenses (food/housing/health care) for the next two months. Eligibility varies by program.
https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help
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Bay Area Safety Net Fund
The Safety Net Fund is a non-profit designed to help support artists in the Bay Area during the COVID-19 crisis. The maximum grant is $500 per person per month, and the number of grants
per month is dependent upon the funds raised. Grants will be evaluated in the order received.https://medium.com/@safetynet/the-safety-net-fund-20040273d291
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City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Arts Emergency Relief Fund
(Round One) City of Los Angeles-based dance, music, and theatre artists, as well as small ensembles (2-4 artists) who have had their public performances, shows, or concerts cancelled can request up to $400 (solo artists) or $1,200 (small ensembles) in emergency relief. These unrestricted micro-grants are intended to offset losses in income, time, and materials that were committed toward public events in the City of LA but were cancelled due to the pandemic. DCA will accept applications until approximately 450 eligible applications are received or until 11:59 PM, Friday, May 1, 2020, whichever comes first.
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Foundation for Contemporary Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund
One-time $1,000 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 virus.
https://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/grants/emergency-grants-covid-19-fund
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Sweet Relief COVID-19 Fund for Musicians
Sweet Relief created this DONOR-DIRECTED FUND with a limited amount of funds available to be used specifically for musicians and music industry workers affected by the Coronavirus. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work.
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Theatre Bay Area Performing Arts Worker Relief Fund
A resource for performing arts workers who are facing a loss of income due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Theatre Bay Area has launched this fund with the generous donations from individual donors, many of them fellow artists. Applications reviewed weekly.
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Women's Center for Creative Work COVID-19 Emergency Health Grant For Artists
Currently making grants of up to $1,000 to support the most vulnerable in our community, those hit the hardest by the health and financial ramifications of COVID-19. Low-income artists who work in any genre or medium, who identify as a woman, as trans or nonbinary, and/or as a person of color, who live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside or San Bernardino Counties are eligible to apply. Applicants must be over 21 years old, and not be enrolled in a full time academic program. Rolling weekly deadline.
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San Francisco Fund Rapid Response for Movement Building (For Nonprofit Orgs)
Small, one-time grants in the range of $3,000–$15,000 for a grant period of up to six months. “To build the political power and voice of low-income and people of color by providing resources to respond in a timely manner to unanticipated, but critical opportunities or challenges to advance racial and economic equity in the Bay Area.”
http://sff.org/programs/nurturing-equity-movements/rapid-response-fund-for-movement-building/
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The Creator Fund
Medical, Groceries, Childcare, or Rent/Mortgage funds for creators experiencing financial hardship due to circumstances related to COVID-19.
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Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 and Disaster Loans
The SBA is now offering low-interest federal loans to small businesses in designated states and territories impacted by COVID-19. The loan offers up to $2 million in assistance, with interest rates of 3.75% and repayment terms up to 30 years. Freelancers without formal businesses can also apply!
https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
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National Artist Relief
Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch theCOVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists. https://www.artistrelief.org/
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Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
Set up by the Arts Administrators of Color Network this fund supports US-based BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists AND administrators (consultants, facilitators, box office staff, seasonal/temporary employees, etc.) who have been financially impacted due to COVID-19. https://aacnetwork.org/
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Bay Area Arts Worker Relief Funds
The Bay Area Arts Worker Relief Funds are resources for arts workers who are facing a loss of income due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This application, administered by Independent Arts & Media, is specifically for people working within the visual, literary, media, film and video arts. https://www.artsandmedia.net/bay-area-relief-application/
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L.A. Young Creatives Fund
LA County residents who work in creative fields may be eligible to receive a zero-interest, $500 loan with payments deferred for the first 6 months in addition to an automatically-matched $500 grant (no repayment needed). https://missionassetfund.org/la-young-creatives-fund/
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Maurice Sendak Emergency Relief Fund
The Maurice Sendak Foundation has seeded a new emergency relief grant program for children’s picture book artists and writers who have experienced financial hardship from loss of income as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis. The Maurice Sendak Emergency Relief Fund, administered by NYFA, will distribute unrestricted grants of up to $2,500. Funds will be awarded to eligible applicants in the order received, and will close once 600 applications are received. https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Maurice-Sendak-Emergency-Relief-Fund
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PEN America Writers’ Emergency Fund
PEN America will distribute grants of $500 to $1,000 based on applications that demonstrate an inability to meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Applicants do not have to be Members of PEN America. https://pen.org/writers-emergency-fund/
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Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
Emergency relief grants up to $500 for queer writers of color who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis. Initiated by Luther Hughes, founder of Shade Literary Arts (featured in Forbes).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4u-9VX5bQZrdt3H-wO99UPb8e_k4r...
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Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant
Who it serves: Artists working in the disciplines of painting, sculpture or printmaking, who can demonstrate a minimum involvement of ten years in a mature phase of his or her work, whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation.
When to apply: Applications accepted all year, with no deadlines.
How much they give: The maximum amount of this grant is $15,000; an award of $5,000 is typical.
Where to apply: https://www.gottliebfoundation.org/emergency-grant/
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Alliance of Artists Communities Emergency Relief Programs
Who it serves: In the event of an emergency, the Alliance can offer support for artists by connecting them with a diverse network of residency programs across the country. By providing the time, space, and support that residencies offer, artists can focus on their work, reflect, and renew their creative practice during an especially challenging time. Their Emergency Funds for Individual Artists Participating in Residencies supports painters and sculptors to participate in artists’ residencies for which they have already been accepted and scheduled, but who would not otherwise be able to participate due to a sudden change in circumstances.
When to apply: See website for info on the different programs.
How much they give: Up to $1,000.
Where to apply: http://www.artistcommunities.org/emergency-relief-programs
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American Institute for Conservation for Historic and Artistic Works
Who it serves: The Institute’s National Heritage Responders respond to the needs of cultural institutions during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors and the public.The group provides assistance by phone and email to collecting institutions affected by everything from leaking pipes to roof damage. NHR has deployed experts to assist with major floods in the Midwest and Hurricane Ike, both in 2008, and to other events.
When to apply: Ongoing
Where to apply: http://www.conservation-us.org/emergencies/national-heritage-responders#... -
American Society of Journalists and Authors Emergency Assistance Fund
The Writers Emergency Assistance Fund helps established freelance writers who, because of illness, disability, a natural disaster, or an extraordinary professional crisis are unable to work. A writer need not be a member of ASJA to qualify for a grant. Application should demonstrate a record of past professional nonfiction writing over a sustained period of years. Applicants do not have to live in the United States but must submit books or articles written in English.
When to apply: Ongoing.
Where to apply: http://asja.org/For-Writers/WEAF
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Artists Charitable Fund
Who it serves: Assists American artists living anywhere in the United States by providing financial support for artists struck by medical, fire or other disaster, with funds raised in part through an annual art auction.
When to apply: Ongoing
How much they give: Unspecified
Where to apply: http://www.artistscharitablefund.org/index.html
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Artists Fellowship Financial Assistance
Provides emergency aid to professional fine (visual) artists and their families in times of sickness, natural disaster, bereavement or unexpected extreme hardship. “Professional” is defined as those who make the creative arts as their livelihood as painters, sculptors, or art photographers through sales as reported on a Schedule C with Federal tax returns.
When to apply: The Board of Trustees meets monthly year round to review all applications properly submitted and eligible. Applicants are encouraged to make their submission early in the month.
How much they give: varies
Where to apply: http://www.artistsfellowship.com/financial.html
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Authors League Fund
Assists book authors, dramatists, poets, and freelance writers and journalists, whose main professional pursuit is writing, in times of emergency. The Fund exists to help professional writers continue their careers, even their lives, with dignity by providing open-ended, interest-free, no-strings-attached loans to pay for pressing expenses.
When to apply: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as they come in.
How much they give: Loan amounts are determined based on the applicant’s professional credentials, the severity of his or her emergency, and the Fund’s annual budget.
Where to apply: http://www.authorsleaguefund.org/apply/
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California Jazz Foundation
Financial assistance and emergency medical referrals are offered to to jazz musicians and others who have made substantial contributions to the art form.When to apply: Any time
How much they give: Unspecified
Where to apply: https://californiajazzfoundation.org/index.htm -
Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) Emergency Assistance
CERF+ emergency assistance includes grants and/or brokered assistance, such as booth fee waivers and discounts or donations on supplies and equipment. Artists interested in CERF+ emergency assistance must first complete an inquiry form. If it is determined that you may be eligible for assistance, you will be invited to apply for assistance. Before filling out an emergency assistance inquiry form, carefully read through the eligibility criteria and supporting documentation requirements.
When to apply: Any time.
Where to apply: https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/craft-emergency-relief-fund/
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CERF+ Artist “Get Ready” Grants
Provides funding for artists working in craft disciplines to conduct activities that will help safeguard their studios, protect their careers and implement other safety measures to help artists build and sustain strong and resilient careers. Applicant must be an artist or a group of artists with an ongoing history of producing a body of work in a craft discipline or disciplines (such as woodworkers, fiber artists, metalsmiths, glass potters, furniture makers, cultural-based craft, or alternative craft),and be a legal U.S. resident.
When to apply: Check website for next deadline.
How much they give: Up to $500 to individual artists and up to $1,500 to groups of artists.
Where to apply: https://cerfplus.org/get-ready/get-ready-grants/
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Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund
If you are a musician who has lost income due to a cancelled gig as a result of the Coronavirus / Covid-19 outbreak, you can apply to receive some money from Equal Sound's new program.
https://equalsound.org/musicians-corona-relief-fund-application/
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Joan Mitchell Foundation Emergency Grant Program
US based visual artists working in the mediums of painting, sculpture, and/or drawing who have suffered significant losses after natural or man-made disasters that have affected their community.
When to apply: Applications are accepted throughout the year, and reviewed monthly based on volume.
How much they give: Up to $6000.
Where to apply: http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/artist-programs/artist-grants/emergency
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MusiCares
Who it serves: Provides assistance to musicians including musical instrument replacement for musicians affected by disasters.
Learn more: http://www.grammy.org/musicares
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PEN America Writer's Emergency Fund
PEN America is an organization of writers and their allies, and that solidarity is never more important than during a global crisis such as we face in the coronavirus pandemic. PEN America is expanding its long-standing Writers’ Emergency Fund as part of our efforts to support the literary community at a time when the health and livelihoods of so many are at risk. We recognize that there are writers who no longer have access to any of the ways in which they have supported themselves, and that this has happened very suddenly and will last for a period none of us can predict. In response, PEN America will distribute grants of $500 to $1,000 based on applications that demonstrate an inability to meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. We have developed a new streamlined process for the duration of this crisis, and expect to be able to review and respond to applications within 14 days.
https://pen.org/writers-emergency-fund/
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Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
Painters, artists and sculptors who work on paper, including printmakers, with demonstrable financial need.
When to apply: All year.
How much they give: The size of the grant is determined by the individual circumstances of the artist.
Where to apply: http://pkf.org/apply/
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Rauschenberg Emergency Grants Program
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is proud to partner with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to administer a new emergency grant program that will provide visual and media artists and choreographers with one-time grants of up to $5,000 for medical emergencies including but not limited to: hospital and doctor bills (including insurance co-pays), tests, physical/occupational therapy, prescription drugs specifically for the emergency medical condition, and emergency dental work. There is no deadline; applications will be accepted and reviewed by the panel on a monthly basis beginning in late May/early June 2020.
https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Rauschenberg-Emergency-Grants
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Springboard for the Arts Personal Emergency Relief Fund
Springboard for the Arts' Personal Emergency Relief Fund is a resource dedicated to supporting artists in Minnesota who experience career-threatening emergencies. We have expanded the guidelines to include lost income due to the cancellation of a specific, scheduled gig or opportunity (i.e. commissions, performances, contracts) due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautionary measures. Artists can request up to $500 to compensate for cancelled work that was scheduled and lost.
https://springboardforthearts.org/additional-resources/personal-emergenc... -
COVID-19 & Freelance Artists
This excellent community-sourced list is designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. On behalf of the freelance artist community, we thank those who created and contributed to this project!
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Freelancers Union’s Guide to Life During COVID-19
COVID-19 shutdowns mean lost income and uncertainty for thousands of freelancers. While we work on securing immediate relief (more to come soon!), we're collecting everything you need to know about getting through this frightening time — from tax and health insurance updates to staying sane — updated daily.
https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/03/11/what-freelancers-need-to-know-about-coronavirus/
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Teaching Artists Guild COVID-19 Resources
Compiled by the Teaching Artists Guild. Resources include: Labor Laws / Sick Leave; Webinars; Self-Care & Mental Health; Online/Distance Learning Activities & Exercises; and more.
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US Federation of Worker Cooperatives COVID-19 Resources
For worker cooperatives, small businesses, and individuals.
https://www.usworker.coop/covid-19/ -
Financial Strategies for Freelance Artists in a Time of Crisis: Video (ASL & Captioned)
An empowering and encouraging presentation rooted in social justice, by choreographer and financial expert Amy Smith, courtesy of HowlRound.
https://howlround.com/happenings/financial-strategies-freelance-artists-... -
“I just spent an hour on the phone with my student loan provider. Freelancers - listen up.”
By Lisa Husseini, Coach for Creatives and Entrepreneurs
https://www.lisahusseini.com/thoughts/i-just-spent-an-hour-on-the-phone-... -
Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant
Artists working in the disciplines of painting, sculpture or printmaking, who can demonstrate a minimum involvement of ten years in a mature phase of his or her work, whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation.
When to apply: Applications accepted all year, with no deadlines.
How much they give: The maximum amount of this grant is $15,000; an award of $5,000 is typical.
Where to apply: https://www.gottliebfoundation.org/emergency-grant/
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LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund
The J. Paul Getty Trust has initiated the LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund—a $10 million fund to support Los Angeles-based nonprofit museums and visual arts organizations. Administered by the California Community Foundation (CCF), the fund is providing both emergency operating support and recovery grants to eligible small and mid-sized organizations in Los Angeles County. The fund aims to have an efficient and expedited review process so that recipient organizations receive funds in a timely fashion.
Getty and CCF have been long-time collaborators on ensuring the arts are lifted in Los Angeles. For over 30 years both organizations have come together to administer one of the most prestigious fellowships for visual artists in the country. This relief fund is a natural extension of that support and recognition that the arts are central to a vital Los Angeles County.Where to apply: https://www.calfund.org/nonprofits/open-grants/laartscovid19rfp/
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L.A. Art Workers Relief Fund
The L.A. Art Workers Relief Fund is an emergency response to the sudden, widespread economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to raise at least $250,000 in order to distribute $1,000 grants to as many art workers across L.A. County as possible.
With the shuttering of our arts institutions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of art workers across Los Angeles are finding themselves unable to meet basic financial obligations like rent. The L.A. Art Workers Relief Fund will direct support from every strata of the L.A. art world toward this valuable ecosystem of workers.
https://laartworkersrelieffund.org
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Artist Relief
Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists.