Provides interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. Each grant is given as one-time assistance for a specific emergency, examples of which are fire, flood, or emergency medical need.

https://www.gottliebfoundation.org/emergency-grant/

American Federation of Musicians Petrillo Memorial Fund

Modest assistance for disabled American Federation of Musicians members facing emergencies.

http://afm.org/petrillo-memorial-fund

American Institute for Conservation for Historic and Artistic Works

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.
http://www.conservation-us.org/emergencies/national-heritage-responders#.WfNdkXZrzIU

American Society of Journalists and Authors 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.

http://asja.org/For-Writers/WEAF

Artists At Risk Connection (ARC)

A global directory of resources to help artists. ARC's definition of "artist" is inclusive. They serve visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, performance artists, writers, and other individuals who produce significant creative output in any medium. https://artistsatriskconnection.org/

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.

Meeting monthly from September to June, the Board of Trustees reviews all applications to determine if they have been properly submitted and if they are eligible.

http://www.artistsfellowship.com/financial.html

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.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as they come in. Loan amounts are determined based on the applicant’s professional credentials, the severity of his or her emergency, and the Fund’s annual budget.

http://www.authorsleaguefund.org/apply/

Broadcasters’ Foundation of America

Monthly grants to broadcasters who are unable to work due to an illness, accident, advanced age, or other misfortune. One-time grants to broadcasters who need help after a natural disaster.

https://broadcastersfoundation.org/how-we-help/

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.

https://californiajazzfoundation.org/index.htm

Carnegie Fund for Authors

Grants to American authors in need of funds because of illness, natural disaster, etc.

https://www.carnegiefundforauthors.org/grant-eligibility

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.

https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/craft-emergency-relief-fund/

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. Check website for next deadline.

https://cerfplus.org/get-ready/get-ready-grants/

Diverse Books

Emergency grants for children’s book authors and/or illustrators and publishing professionals with diverse backgrounds. Awards and competitions, professional grants and mentorships, and more.

https://diversebooks.org/programs/emergency-fund/

Dramatists Guild Emergency Grants

It is vital to support writers in times of need so that they can get back to doing what they do best. DGF provides emergency financial assistance to individual playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists in dire need of funds due to severe hardship or unexpected illness.

If you are a writer in need, we can help.

https://dgf.org/programs/grants/grants-for-writers/

Entertainment Community Fund Fund Entertainment Assistance Program

Any performing arts or entertainment professional may call on the Entertainment Assistance Program for support, information or referrals to community agencies. Eligibility for financial assistance requires either a minimum of five years of industry paid employment (earnings of at least $6,500 for three out of the last five years), or 20 years of industry paid employment (minimum of ten years of earnings of at least $5,000 for each of those years), and demonstrated financial need. Amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis.

https://entertainmentcommunity.org/am-i-eligible-help

Haven Foundation
Gives financial assistance to established freelance artists, writers and other members of the arts and art production communities who have suffered disabilities or experienced a career-threatening illness, accident, natural disaster or personal catastrophe.
http://www.thehavenfdn.org/guidelines

Hero Initiative

An emergency fund for comic creators in need. An applicant must have been a working comic book writer, penciler, inker, colorist, or letterer on a work-for-hire basis for no less than 10 years

www.heroinitiative.org

International Women’s Media Foundation

IWMF supports women journalists with safety training, byline opportunities, and three emergency funds: United States Journalism Emergency Fund for all genders, including male identifying; Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund; and IWMF Emergency Fund for women journalists.

www.iwmf.org/programs/emergency-fund

Jazz Foundation of America

Serving jazz and blues musicians requiring emergency assistance and social services.

http://www.jazzfoundation.org/what-we-do/housing-and-emergency-assistance

Minnesota Street Project Foundation Artist Emergency Relief Grants

SF BAY AREA

Immediate assistance to Bay Area visual artists with an initial seed fund of $20,000 to provide grants up to $1,000 to cover unforeseen expenses resulting from emergencies that impact artists’ ability to work, including restoration, storage, and temporary studio space. Grants are awarded based on need. Apply now!

https://minnesotastreetproject.org/artistreliefgrants

MusiCares

Provides assistance to musicians including musical instrument replacement for musicians affected by disasters.
http://www.grammy.org/musicares

Musicians Foundation

$500-$3,000 grants to U.S. musicians in any genre in a time of acute need due to personal, medical, dental, or family crisis; natural disaster; or other emergency situation.

https://www.musiciansfoundation.org/apply

Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants

This program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need who are practicing in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.

https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/rauschenberg-medical-emergency-grants/

Renaissance Entertainers Services and Crafters United (RESCU) Foundation

Financial assistance for participants of Renaissance Faires, historical performances, and other artistic events, along with advocacy, education, and preventative programs.

http://rescufoundation.org

Rhythm & Blues Foundation

Financial aid for R&B musicians experiencing financial hardship.

https://www.rhythmandbluesfoundation.org/

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America: Emergency Medical Fund

Interest-free loans to members facing unexpected medical expenses. Some assistance available to authors who must take a writing-related dispute to court.

https://www.sfwa.org/about/benevolent-funds/emergency-medical-fund/

2025 LA Wildfire Resources

(SOURCE: Shared by Caroyln Ramo at the A&L Berg Foundation)

Artists' Fellowship

The Artists’ Fellowship, Inc. is a private, charitable foundation that assists professional fine artists (painters, graphic artists, sculptors) and their families in times of emergency, disability, or bereavement. https://www.artistsfellowship.org/

Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief

Guide produced by the National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness and Emergency Response. https://www.ncaper.org/_files/ugd/4d06be_fc5a673509d54465af09440b487b0e2b.pdf

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)

CERF+ offers $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster. https://cerfplus.org/grants/emergency-relief/

FEMA

Financial help for unemployed artists to provide funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for their job. https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/help-self-employed-and-artists

Fire Loss Action List

Helpful to-do list for home fire loss. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqKFz3zDWz/?img_index=1

Free Products from Brands

List of brands providing products to families impacted by the fires. Brands Providing Products to Families Impacted by LA Fires

Free Therapy

Pro Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfires. Pro Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfires

Great Jones Kitchenware

Donating kitchenware to those in Los Angeles who have lost their homes — whether that’s now, to help make temporary residences more comfortable, or down the road as you rebuild. Please submit a request through the link in bio and we’ll work to accommodate as many as we can. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEsJA50ML58/

Immersive Art Collective

The Immersive Arts Center is opening its doors to provide support and relief for those impacted by the LA fires. We will be acting as a supply drop off and pickup site as well as a resting hub to those that need a space to figure things out during this time. 📲 Please call: 213-686-1544 to let us know you are coming...or select a time at this link so we can assure to accommodate everyone: https://zurl.co/IZWUy 📍 Location:1035 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqdk-KI86U/

LA Fire Mutual Aid Resources

Map detailing available resources in LA (free food, items, animal boarding, etc) https://www.fireaid.info/

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources

MALAN is regularly updating this google sheet with mutual aid resources for folks in LA. There's information on shelters, free PPE, food, animal rescues, and more. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY/htmlview?usp=sharing

National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response

Tools and resources for artists. https://www.ncaper.org/toolsresources-info?mc_cid=d4fd4ed508&mc_eid=460931aa9b

Other Places Emergency Micro Grants for LA Artists and Art Spaces

Other Places Emergency Micro Grants for LA Artists and Art Spaces offers micro grants to members of our community who need a little boost at the moment. If you, your space, or another artist or art space you know has been directly affected by the fire and needs some immediate cash for necessities, supplies, medications, or anything else you can apply for a $100, $150, or $200 grant from Other Places. Grants are non restrictive. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjznGRsR9dX2soZAmbRivqyGUV-WN1KHxL8vnehzOhqutT4A/viewform

Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography. https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/rauschenberg-medical-emergency-grants/?mc_cid=d4fd4ed508&mc_eid=460931aa9b

Stephanie Deumer - Grant Writing Help

DM @stephaniedeumer for help applying to emergency grants for artists. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEs-e-kymz1/?img_index=1

The Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant

The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. https://www.gottliebfoundation.org/emergency-grant

Disability-led & serving organizations all in the LA and SoCal area that are engaged in fire support:

Frontline & Direct Services:

Disabled Resource Center (DRC)

The mission of the DRC is, “To empower people with disabilities to live independently in the community, to make their own decisions about their lives and to advocate on their own behalf”.https://drcinc.org/

Communities Actively Living Independent & Free (CALIF)

Communities Actively Living Independent & Free (CALIF) is an independent living center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides advocacy programs and services for people with disabilities primarily residing within the 50 zip codes of Los Angeles County covering south and central Los Angeles and neighboring communities. https://calif-ilc.org/

Independent Living Center of Southern CA

Independent Living Center of Southern CA is a non-residential agency providing a wide range of services to a growing population of People with Disabilities, including Youth, Older Adults, and Veterans. We work with people of all ages with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Stroke, Cancer, Autism, Visual Impairments, Arthritis, Loss of Hearing, Mental Illness, and Physical Impairments.https://ilcsc.org/

Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC)

Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC) is a Center for Independent Living dedicated to supporting the equality of life for people with all kinds of disabilities. https://www.dcrc.co/

Disability Rights California (DRC)

Disability Rights California's purpose is to help Californians with Disabilities Access their Rights and Services. https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/

Advocacy Organizations:

LA Spoonie Collective

The Los Angeles Spoonie Collective is composed of disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill LGBTQIA+ community members within the Los Angeles area (Tongva land). They offer virtual and in-person workshops and panel discussions on the intersections of race, gender, and disability, disability justice, feminist theory, and more. https://www.spooniecollective.org/

Disability Voices United

Disability Voices United is a statewide organization directed by and for individuals with disabilities and their families, advocating for choice and control, equity and accountability, and meaningful outcomes. https://disabilityvoicesunited.org/

National:

Partnership for inclusive disaster strategies: hotline

The Partnership’s Disability & Disaster Hotline provides information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance and resources to people with disabilities, families, allies, and organizations assisting disabled disaster survivors and others seeking assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs. https://disasterstrategies.org/hotline/

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the only full-time resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact through expert resources, community-driven grantmaking and philanthropic consulting services. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/

Entertainment Industry Resources

(SOURCE: LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund

This fund has offered temporary assistance in the form of interest-free loans for Writers Guild of America West members since 2005.

https://www.wga.org/members/finances/good-welfare-emergency-assistance-loans

Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund

Inevitable Foundation is a non-profit that systematically breaks down barriers keeping mid-level disabled screenwriters—the most underrepresented workforce in film and television—from reaching their full commercial and creative potential. The Emergency Relief Fund provides an emergency backstop to ensure talented creatives aren’t forced to leave the industry due to financial necessity during crises such as the recent work stoppage.

Motion Picture & Television Fund grants

Any entertainment industry worker with a “demonstratable financial need” can apply for temporary help. Decisions about eligibility and grant amounts are made on a case-by-case basis. Counseling, confidential help, and referrals to other resources are also available. To apply, call the fund at (323) 634-3888 or toll free at (855) 760-6783, or email info@mptf.com.

Entertainment Community Fund’s emergency financial assistance program

The Entertainment Community Fund’s emergency financial assistance program offers emergency financial assistance to support performing arts workers who are unable to pay their basic living expenses. This includes housing, food, utility bills, and healthcare.

Union Plus

The WGA also recommended Union Plus as a resource for Writers Guild of America East members.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance Programs

Though the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance funds, there is support if SAG-AFTRA members find themselves in urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis. Hardships covered by these funds include a “natural disaster, accident, catastrophic illness/injury, emergency medical bills not covered by insurance, house fire, eviction, evacuation, death in the family” and more. Email assistance@sagaftra.foundation or call (323) 549-6773 for more information.

COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUNDS

Listed alphabetically.

Authors League Fund

Since 1917, the Authors League Fund has helped professional authors, journalists, critics, poets, and dramatists who find themselves in financial need because of medical or health-related problems, temporary loss of income, or other misfortune. The Fund exists to help professional writers continue their careers with dignity by providing no-strings-attached “loans” to pay for pressing expenses. Repayment of this emergency support is not required.

https://authorsleaguefund.org

Behind the Scenes Basic Needs Grant

Financial assistance to people who have worked for 5+ years in the entertainment technology industry (and their immediate families) who have been hospitalized with Covid-19.

https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/apply-for-a-grant/

COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund

The Jazz Foundation of America gives jazz and blues musicians direct financial support for basic living expenses.

https://jazzfoundation.org/covid19fund/

Dramatists Guild COVID-19 Emergency Grant

For dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists) to apply for emergency financial assistance from the Dramatists Guild Foundation due to Covid-19 related circumstances.

https://dramatistsguildfoundation.submittable.com/submit/164145/covid-19-emergency-grants

Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund): Emergency Financial Assistance

NATIONAL

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://entertainmentcommunity.org/am-i-eligible-help

Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides microbusiness assistance for the County of Santa Barbara. Eligible microbusinesses that were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for up to $2,500. Apply on a rolling basis.

https://www.sbfoundation.org/covid-19-business-community-resources/microbusiness-relief-program/

MPTF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds

The Motion Picture and Television Fund connects people in the entertainment industry with temporary financial assistance for needs created or complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including health insurance, mental health assistance, rent, food, and other essentials.

https://mptf.com/covid-19-relief-funds/

Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants

One-time grants of up to $5,000 to professional dancers in need, who are in dire financial emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. You must demonstrate an urgent and critical need for emergency support in your application, and live in the United States, the District of Columbia, a Tribal Nation, or a U.S. Territory. The next cycle will accept applications from January 10 – February 17, 2023.

https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/rauschenberg-emergency-grants/rauschenberg-dancer-emergency-grants/

San Francisco COVID-19 Emergency Loan for Arts & Culture Nonprofits

BAY AREA

This Emergency Loan will support arts and culture nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations in the eleven Bay Area counties. Applications accepted as long as resources are available.

https://www.artsloanfund.org/covid-19-emergency

COVID-19 RESOURCES

California State Mask Guidance

New California State Mask Guidance, updated April 20, 2022 (local guidance may vary)
New California State Mega Events Guidance, updated May 2, 2022 (local guidance may vary)

Resources for Reopening Safely

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a number of protocols to plan for the safe reopening of our arts, culture, and creative economy sectors. The Department of Arts and Culture (LACDAC) collaborated with Public Health to develop new guidance to help the creative community navigate COVID-19 openings safely, and centralize these documents to make them easier to access.

https://www.lacountyarts.org/experiences/arts-and-culture-digital-resource-center/reopening-arts-and-culture-safely

Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide

The Reopening Guide addresses health and sanitary issues that event and venue professionals need to consider in order to protect both patrons and workers. Since there is still insufficient testing, no contact tracing, and no vaccine against COVID-19, this guidance is particularly detailed. The first edition is tailored to be especially useful for event professionals reopening the smallest events with the fewest resources available to mitigate their risks, since in every municipal reopening plan these will be allowed to reopen first.

https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esa-reopening-guide

PPP Loan Forgiveness (SBA)

A borrower can apply for forgiveness through their lender once all loan proceeds for which the borrower is requesting forgiveness have been used. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program/ppp-loan-forgiveness

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!

https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/

The Actors Fund COVID-19 Resource Page

https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/covid-19-resource-list

Americans for the Arts Coronavirus Resource & Response Center

Information broken out for Individuals vs. Organizations, and more!

https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus-covid-19-resource-and-response-center

Annuity.org’s Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances

Covers topics including Global Economy, Federal Benefits, Economic Impact Payment, Taxes, Unemployment, Health Care, Mortgages and Housing, Small Businesses, Retirement Plans, and Credit and Loans.

https://www.annuity.org/financial-literacy/covid-19-financial-guide/

California Arts Council COVID-19 News & Resources

http://arts.ca.gov/resources/COVID-19.php

California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

A comprehensive, consumer-friendly website from the Governor’s Office highlighting critical steps to stay healthy and resources available to Californians, including paid sick leave and unemployment assistance.

https://covid19.ca.gov/

Healthcare access for Undocumented Folks (by State)

https://unitedwedream.org/2020/03/healthcare-access-for-undocumented-folks-in-the-time-of-covid19/

CERF+ The Artists Safety Net Coronavirus Info

https://cerfplus.org/cerfplus-responds-to-covid-19/

Intersection for the Arts Artist Resources

https://theintersection.org/get-support/resources/

Springboard for the Arts Coronavirus Response Resources

https://springboardforthearts.org/coronavirus/

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.

http://teachingartistsguild.org/covid-19-resources/

VIDEO: Coping with COVID: Financial Implications for Creative Individuals

Courtesy of Creative Capital, a helpful webinar led by Elaine Grogan Luttrull on April 7, 2020.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MQxW_Taa0

VIDEO: Financial Strategies for Freelance Artists in a Time of Crisis (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-time-crisis-asl-captioned

Resources for Remote Work

This crowdsourced document includes resources for finding online jobs.

https://tinyurl.com/qpzyutt

Unemployment & Disability

California: The EDD provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California. Includes updates on CARES Act implementation. https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
New York: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/beforeyouapplyfaq.shtm
Find Your State: https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx
“How to File for Unemployment in California” from KQED radio: https://www.kqed.org/news/11806938/how-to-file-for-unemployment-in-california-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
Pandemic Unemployment Insurance (PUA): As part of the federal CARES Act, the new PUA program helps unemployed business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits who are out of business or services are significantly reduced as a direct result of the pandemic.

CALIFORNIA: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm

CARES Act Office Hours with Nina Ozlu Tunceli

EVERY OTHER Friday at 11am ET, join Nina Ozlu Tunceli, Chief Counsel of Government and Public Affairs at Americans for the Arts and Executive Director of the Arts Action Fund, as she takes your questions about navigating the complex web of federal funding opportunities, regulations, and deadlines related to current and upcoming COVID-19 economic federal aid programs. Check this site for any additional dates or occasional blackout dates:

https://www.artsactionfund.org/OfficeHoursNina

MUTUAL AID RESOURCES

Freelance Mutual Aid Circle

MUTUAL AID

Everything from up-to-date information on the CARES Act to financial relief funds and mutual aid networks, webinars, and mental health directories. Created by Trupo in partnership with Freelancers Union, Study Hall, American Photographic Association, and Graphic Artist Guild.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRe7gYywGTcJsWFvjmh-Jo95Ks-1zU2Aie1xPXQH-kUzh90aclW2tWEEYajUcLp0DwOazt_wgEKEuUO/pubhtml

COVID-19 Mutual Aid & Advocacy Resources

This editable document tree is a US-based resource for people looking out for themselves and their communities through personal preparation, collective care, mutual aid and advocacy. You are welcome to add to, edit and copy/share these resources with the intention of helping communities come together and support each other and with as much attention as possible to all our communities’ specific needs.

http://bit.ly/covid19collectivecare

Aunt Bertha: The Social Care Network

Search for free or reduced cost services--including food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic--in your zip code.
https://www.auntbertha.com/

Circles of Survival

A tool for keeping ourselves, our family, our communities, and our democracy healthy during large scale crises.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OnPVvRmfAl_UGJ0UVZDmFOF-psf1-d-Pd_C4XUXC99s/edit?ts=5e6a9165

Resource List | Responding Together to COVID-19

Includes meals and housing services focused on LA County, plus health, education, and resources for artists more broadly.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bBu014Gil8TOyh2IN2nE6mbhFmnidmYCWKxZ_3HRKG8/edit?usp=sharing

Mutual Aid and Survival Resources

Various mutual aid resources from across the web aggregated into one place on Google Drive.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1l_xCQmi3NnK0A_1Urnb1W0-Xs53-LMZI

HOUSING RESOURCES

Tenant Power Toolkit

Are you facing eviction or rent debt in California? You are not alone! Millions of households are facing eviction and rent debt. Alone we are vulnerable, but together we are powerful. Let's work together to stop evictions, end debt, cancel rent, and build tenant power.

https://tenantpowertoolkit.org/

CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

This statewide program is designed to help low-income Californians through the payment of unpaid rent to landlords. Eligible renters may also receive assistance for unpaid utilities and future payments. Applicants will not be asked about their citizenship, nor will they be required to show proof of citizenship. Those needing application assistance can call the State’s hotline for an appointment at 833-430-2122.

https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/program_overview.html

Residents of San Francisco can also apply for rent from April - June 2021 at https://sf.gov/renthelp.
East Bay Municipal Utility District offers a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to help pay a portion of the water bill for qualified low-income residential customers and eligible homeless shelters. https://www.ebmud.com/customers/customer-assistance-program/

Eviction Defense Network

A Nonprofit Social Enterprise Defending Tenant’s Rights. If you’re a renter having problems with your landlord, we can help you. In order to meet the daily needs of hundreds of tenants that face housing crises in the County of Los Angeles, the Eviction Defense Network operates by providing FREE consultations on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis.

https://edn.la/

CA Statewide assistance: Askanattorney@edn.la or consulta@edn.la
LA County Digital Divide/Literacy Issues: 213-537-5473 (9AM to 12PM)
LA County IMMEDIATE lock out issues: 213-340-4714 (24 hours)

L.A. Tenants Union

The L.A. Tenants Union is an autonomous, member-funded union which fights for the human right to housing.

https://latenantsunion.org/

Stay Housed LA County

Stay Housed L.A. County has the resources you need to know your rights and the legal support to back them up.

StayHousedLA.org

Tenants Together

Tenants Together is dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of California tenants to safe, decent and affordable housing.

https://www.tenantstogether.org/

Covid-19 Tenants Defense Toolkit (“know your rights”): https://www.tenantstogether.org/covid-19-tenant-defense
Tenant Rights Hotline: https://www.tenantstogether.org/tenant-rights-hotline

COVID-19 Housing Retention Grants

CITY OF BERKELEY

Berkeley's Housing Retention Program provides grant assistance to Berkeley residents at risk of eviction.

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-housing-retention/

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

MARIN COUNTY

Helps families and individuals who have had difficulty paying rent and/or utilities due to COVID-19.

https://housingfirst.marinhhs.org/emergency-rental-assistance-program

HIF’s Emergency Housing Fund

SANTA CLARA & SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Offers a lifeline after unforeseen and temporary financial setbacks, acting as a bridge between crisis and stability.

https://www.hifinfo.org/hifstrong/

SHELTER, Inc. COVID Program

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Serves community members affected by the COVID-19 virus who are not able to pay for utilities and/or past, present, and/or future rent.

https://shelterinc.org/get-help/covid-19/

EMERGENCY & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Americans for the Arts

Links, tips, and tools for artists and arts organizations to be prepared on the front end of an emergency. https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/disaster-preparedness#relief

American Red Cross

Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following our simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably. Being prepared may not prevent a disaster, but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge. Get tips here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html.

Prepare SoCal is an American Red Cross campaign created to address the needs of neighborhoods and encourage community resiliency in the most vulnerable communities in Southern California. The campaign aims to achieve this through working towards four goals: community preparedness, volunteer engagement, response capacity and communications.

The Red Cross also offers free Disaster Training to communities. These training courses, accessible both online and in person, include the Pillowcase Project Presenter Fundamentals, Shelter Fundamentals, Casework and Recovery Planning Fundamentals, Basic InstructorFundamentals and Public Affair Essentials.

ArtsReady

An online emergency preparedness service by and for arts/cultural nonprofits, provides arts organizations with customized business continuity plans for post-crisis sustainability.

https://www.artsready.org/

dPlan|ArtsReady

An online emergency preparedness and response tool designed for arts and cultural organizations, regardless of size, scope, or discipline.

https://www.dplan.org/

CERF+

Studio Protector

An artists guide to emergencies. A wealth of information on emergency readiness for all artists can be found at www.studioprotector.org.

Cultural Placekeeping Guide

How to create a network for local emergency action —for arts agencies, arts and culture organizations, and artists. https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2017/by_program/networks_councils/local_arts_network/Cultural-Placekeeping-Guide.pdf

Disaster Resilience for Artists & Non-Profits

A resource for artists and organizations created by Houston Arts Alliance, this site serves as a portal to strategies and resources for preparing for and overcoming damage in the wake of a disaster. https://ready.haatx.com/

Performing Arts Readiness

The Performing Arts Readiness project was formed in the recognition that performing arts organizations are especially vulnerable to disasters and emergencies which can halt performances, sometimes indefinitely, and can put an organization out of business overnight. The Performing Arts Readiness project offers free webinars, on-site training, and presentations at professional conferences on various topics related to emergency preparedness, as well as online toolkits and more. https://performingartsreadiness.org/

(Download their Sample Emergency Plans here.)

Public Safety Power Shutoff

Your local energy company may need to turn off power during extreme weather or wildfire conditions. Find preparedness information at https://prepareforpowerdown.com.

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon capitalizes on the skills and experience of military veterans by pairing them with medical professionale and first responders. The organization offers incident management, damage assessments, disaster mapping, home repair, and more to affected communities.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Mostly California (where we are based).

California Arts Council: Disaster Relief & Emergency Preparedness Resources

The CAC maintains this webpage dedicated to resources for Californians who have been affected by recent natural disasters in our state.

https://arts.ca.gov/disaster-relief-emergency-preparedness-resources/

California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Helpful information for employers, employees and all Californians as it relates to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/

California Employment Development Department (EDD)

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of services to individuals and businesses impacted by disasters in California. These range from assistance for those who may have lost a job due to the disaster, to employers who are forced to shut down operations. EDD staff located throughout the state are often called upon to lend a hand at Local Assistance Centers (LACs) established by the California Office of Emergency Services (OES). They provide assistance with filing claims for UI benefits, as well as job search assistance and other more general support and referrals to resources.

For statewide wildfire recovery resources, visit the CalOES Wildfire Recovery website.
For information about any LACs established in a disaster area and their hours of operation, visit CalOES.
For California’s online job exchange system, visit CalJOBS.

For the latest news and announcements, including news releases, visit the EDD News page.

CAL FIRE

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is our state's go-to resource for up-to-date wildfire information and resources. www.calfire.ca.gov or @CAL_FIRE on Twitter.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Individual Disaster Assistance Program

Home/Primary Residence assistance is available for individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster. If you are a renter or homeowner you may qualify for assistance. By law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance. FEMA does not offer assistance for small businesses impacted by a presidentially-declared disaster, however, they partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers low interest loans for business damages. Additional assistance is available for other disaster-caused expenses including medical and dental, child care, funeral and burial, essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle, and some clean-up items.

https://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance

Heritage Emergency National Task Force resources for art institutions and individuals

Cultural institutions and arts organizations affected by floods or other natural disasters can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068
Members of the public who have questions about saving family heirlooms can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org
HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at https://www.fema.gov/assistance/save-family-treasures

DisasterAssistance.gov

Apply for disaster assistance and find local resources for your immediate needs. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Response.ca.gov

A newly launched website that combines emergency response, recovery and resilience information into a single place for easy access by users. It is a one-stop portal that includes local and state resources, health services, shelters and housing, preparedness information, and more. https://www.response.ca.gov/

The U.S. Small Business Administration

Who it serves: The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters.

Where to apply: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESOURCES

(where we are headquartered)

LA County Department of Arts & Culture Digital Resources

As the way we gather and experience the arts have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing, the Department of Arts and Culture has responded by developing digital resources for organizations and artists looking for relief funds; individuals looking to experience arts and culture while remaining safer at home; and students, educators, and parents looking for online arts learning activities.

https://www.lacountyarts.org/digital-resource-center

211 LA County

211 LA County partners with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management to provide timely and accurate disaster information services before, during and after a disaster hits. 211 LA County is also partnered with the L.A. County Department of Public Health to provide Public Health issued warnings and advisories.

Emergency Network of Los Angeles (ENLA)

The ENLA is a coalition of nonprofit organizations that share their knowledge and needed resources throughout the disaster cycle. With the support and resources of all these organizations, communities and the individuals they home can feel more equipped and confident when a disaster strikes. http://enla.org/

Los Angeles Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team

Community residents are trained to become disaster first responders to ensure neighborhoods survive and thrive after disaster strikes. https://www.lafd.org/join/volunteer/cert

RYLAN (Ready Your L.A. Neighborhood)

RYLAN is a free service offered by the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department meant to encourage, empower, and prepare Los Angeles neighborhoods for the next big disaster. The program increases neighborhood readiness by offering ways for communities to organize, practice, connect, communicate, and train.

Los Angeles County Food Bank/Pantry Locator

https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/

OTHER

2-1-1

Call 2-1-1 to be connected with community services in your area, providing services like food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance and physical and mental health resources. http://www.211.org/

California Lawyers for the Arts

Provides free and low-cost legal services to artists including processing claims with FEMA, SBA and other disaster relief agencies. https://www.calawyersforthearts.org/

E-book: The Response: Building Collective Resilience in the Wake of Disasters

Published by Shareable. https://www.shareable.net/download-our-latest-free-ebook-the-response-building-collective-resilience-in-the-wake-of-disasters/

Preparedness for Civil Unrest for Performing Arts Organizations

Thoughtfully prepared by Performing Arts Readiness & Majestic Collaborations.

https://mailchi.mp/ccd5b9731f8e/upcoming-free-webinars-from-the-performing-arts-readiness-project-3043294?e=f6a3320d0e

So You Want to Start an Emergency Relief Fund!

Published by Springboard for the Arts.

Since the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic broke and Springboard launched the Coronavirus Response Personal Emergency Relief Fund, we've been heartened by both the number of people who want to give and the number of emergency funds popping up. We've fielded a lot of inquiries about our program and how we've managed it, and so we've put together a quick overview resource, "So You Want to Start an Emergency Relief Fund." We're sharing our program structure and big picture thoughts about running an emergency relief fund since 2001. We hope it's useful to you as you plan your response for your community.

https://springboardforthearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Springboard-for-the-Arts-Emergency-Relief-Fund-Resource-3.17.2020.pdf

HENTF Individual Assistance Quick Reference Guide for Self-Employed Applicants

FEMA assistance for disaster survivors who are self-employed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RhAZUBsem7NnQQDrLpcT3ffxMZ8khc4Y/view?usp=drive_link

This list was created and is maintained by the Center for Cultural Innovation as a resource for artists and arts workers to support and sustain their businesses. Learn more about our work at cciarts.org.

HAVE A RESOURCE TO ADD TO THIS LIST? PLEASE EMAIL INFO@CCIARTS.ORG.