As the current pandemic continues to affect the creative and cultural sectors across the nation, Erie Arts & Culture is committed to serving as a central source of information during this difficult time. In addition to initiating our Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for creative and cultural professionals in Erie County, we have compiled a list of additional resources that may be helpful to those who operate in our sector.
If you are in need of financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for several opportunities to increase your likelihood of receiving aid. We will continue to add resource links as they develop.
Fresh Art
Fresh Art’s resource list provides 18 different emergency financial assistance opportunities for artists and individuals. Opportunities range from $500 to $15,000 in aid. These opportunities include grants and fellowships for a wide variety of disciplines. It also includes more specific aid, such as material and instrument repairs for musicians. Fresh Arts is also hosting a series of Facebook Live Streams made for creative entrepreneurs on surviving this pandemic.
Americans for the Arts
The Americans for the Arts Resource and Response Center page includes a wealth of information for artists and cultural organizations, such as blog posts with practical advice and strategic resources, as well as another list of emergency financial aid opportunities. There, you will also find links to informative webinars about adapting operations during a crisis.
National Endowment for the Arts
This resource page by the National Endowment for the Arts provides links to organizations throughout the nation who are supplying frequently updated news and resources for creative individuals and cultural organizations. It may be helpful to visit these pages, sign up for their respective newsletters, and follow their social media channels for up-to-date developments.
Local resources:
The Erie County COVID-19 Response Fund
The Erie County COVID-19 Response fund offers small businesses and nonprofits in Erie County to patient, flexible capital when it is needed most through Bridgeway Capital.
Bridgeway will offer low-interest loans with flexible payment schedules tailored to the needs of small businesses under 25 employees and nonprofit organizations. Loan inquiries will be connected to a Bridgeway Loan Officer to guide small businesses and nonprofits on financing options and how to apply. Click here for more information.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Nonprofit Component
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to private nonprofits suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Find more information about the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans here.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
- Eight weeks of salary, health insurance and other overhead costs.
- Loans can be forgiven if employees are kept on payroll for that period of time.
- Loans will be available at almost any FDIC-insured bank.
- Loans could be available as early as next week with possible turnaround in the same day as application.
- Funds can be used to rehire staff that were laid off due to Coronavirus.
- Other benefits included.
