Financial Resources and Relief Funds
Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits
How to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.
From Congressman Seth Moulton’s Town Hall on SBA:
You can and should apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) ASAP as the funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis. You can now apply (with the same application) for a $10,000 loan advance, which is payable within 3 days. That advance is really a grant, which is 100% forgiven. Whether you get an EIDL, are declined, or don’t have a decision yet, apply for this advance. If you already received an EIDL, go back to the SBA site and reapply, and this time ask for the advance. The new application is streamlined and takes less time than the original one.
Payroll Protection Plan: this is a new program under the CARES Act designed to help you keep your employees employed and help you come back strong when you re-open or scale back up. It is possible that this loan can be 100% forgiven! Applications will be made thru SBA lender banks, and you can apply starting Friday. Self-employed and sole proprietors can apply at a later date TBD. Much more guidance on this coming out in next few days. For now, you can view the application and general info on www.home.treasury.gov and click on the red box at top of home page.
You can apply for both EIDL / loan advance AND the Payroll Protection Plan but not for the same expenses.
American Federation of Musicians
Behind the Scenes– grants are only awarded in cases of serious illness or injury
The Boston Foundation– several different grant opportunities
Club Passim Emergency Artist Relief Fund
Collective Futures Fund– for visual artists
Crew Nation– Live Nation fund for music crews
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
Mass Cultural Council COVID 19 Relief Fund for Individuals– applications due February 2
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation: Sector specific relief grants for MA businesses
Qualifying sectors include event support companies, and the website lists photography studios, videography studios, florists, limo services, event planning companies, event rentals, performers, convention and trade show organizations. Applications close January 15th.
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation– Members can apply for a one time grant of $750, and associate members can apply for a one time grant of $300. Log in to the member portal for more information.
Collections of Resources, Advice
Advice from a coach for creatives and entrepreneurs
Annuity.org: A Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
Coronavirus Cancellations in Entertainment- What Else to Do?
Extend PUA resources– an extensive, nationwide list of resources for multiple needs and in multiple industries
FinImpact: Best 8 Financial Tools to Combat COVID-19
Gig Cancellations due to Coronavirus: Survival Tips for Freelancers
Mass Cultural Council COVID-19 Resources
NEFA COVID-19 Resources for Individuals and Organizations
Stage Directors and Choreographer’s Society Resources
WBUR The Artery: Grants and Resources for Artists and Nonprofits
US COVID-19 Mutual Aid Resources– a Google Drive folder with A TON of resources, sorted by state
Call your city councillor/state senator/state representatives!! Use this link to find your representatives at the state level– the link takes you to a page with election information, but if you fill out the form it tells you who your current representatives are.
MA Housing Resources
MA COVID Emergency Housing Resources– state site
MA COVID 19 Eviction Diversion FAQ– state site
Mass Legal Help COVID 19 Housing Resources
MA Food Resources
MA SNAP benefits site– here you can find an online screening tool to determine if you are eligible, applications, and many resources about rules
Project BREAD Food Source Hotline- if you live in Massachusetts, call 1-800-645-8333 on Mon-Fri from 8am-7pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. They will help you find all the resources available to you! They can assist with SNAP applications, help you find food pantries or meal programs, and more. They also have an excellent page of COVID resources, linked here.
The Open Door Food Pantry– an excellent North Shore resource serving the following towns: Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Rowley, Boxford, Topsfield. They also have a listing of other North Shore resources!
Restaurant Worker Mutual Aid of Greater Boston -coordinates emergency food relief and provides resource support to undocumented restaurant workers who have lost their income and are facing food insecurity due to COVID-19.
Merrimack Valley Food Bank– list of member agencies across the North Shore
Training, Education and Research
Qlab Training Videos on Youtube
USITT Lighting Commission Training and Education Links
The Art of Social Distancing– a growing list of online resources for creatives for research, personal practice, and connection in the time of social distancing
BPL Online Resources– any MA resident can apply for a library card or e-card, and have access to not only free ebooks and audiobooks, but academic databases, business classes, language learning, art archives, music databases, Hoopla streaming media, Headspace guided meditations, movies, documentaries, a dance video database, videos of both theatre and opera, and more.
Take Care of Yourselves
Taking Care of your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Free Workouts You can Do at Home- All Levels
Five Free Mindfulness Apps Worth Your Attention
Expert offers Practical Advice to Manage your Coronavirus Anxiety
