LINKS for Funding Sources & Support

First, it is important to realize that the CARES Act was just passed late on Friday, March 27. The related 15-day rule making provision; applications and so on are being written at this moment - it will take a little time for access to be in place. And as you night imagine phone lines and websites are stressed to the max - patience will be needed.

Below is a quick summary of major aspects that effect artists. There are so many options and details that we suggest you visit these sites and recheck them often for updates. Red underlined bold words are all Links.

Unemployment Benefits

These now include coverage for freelancers, and "gig economy" workers (that's you). And they include an additional $600 per week to each recipient for up to four months. Apply to your State Unemployment Office for assistance.

SBA Loans - 0% Interest and Forgiven in some cases

Also known as the Paycheck Protection Program to cover payroll costs, mortgage/rent costs, utilities, and other operations. These loans can be forgiven  if used for those purposes. These will be administered by local banks who already do 7A SBA Loans - with an all-new streamlined process with rapid turn-around. Talk to your banker for assistance.

Business Tax Relief

There are a variety of business tax provisions for refundable payroll tax credit; employer-side Social Security tax deadline delay; new Net Operating Loss rules recover taxes paid in past years to provide you liquidity and cash flow. Talk to your accountant about these new tax benefits.

CARES Act Webinar ??

Would a Webinar on best use of CARES Act provisions be of use to artists? ArtFest Fort Myers is currently talking with appropriate professionals to be Webinar speaker, if this is of interest to artists. We can make no promise of availability, but please indicate your preference below so we can prepare, if needed and possible.

Stay Healthy Too

For our Florida friends - Florida Blue is offering a free, 24-hour, bilingual helpline staffed with behavioral health counselors to support all Floridians emotional and behavioral health. The hotline can be reached at 833-848-1762.

Check out your state - - we imagine

Blue Cross/Blue Shield is doing this in other states too.

Advocacy Works - Be Proud

Your advocacy has been effective and many of the requested art related policy asks have been addressed.

The inclusion of these provisions to help the arts sector, and the creative workforce can be attributed, in part, to the incredible grassroots outreach by arts advocates across the country, coordination with national non-profit coalitions, and Americans for the Arts and Arts Action Fund outreach to Congress and the Trump Administration.

It is likely that another stimulus package will be considered by Congress as the economic fallout from the coronavirus adds up across the country - Americans for the Arts and others will need your help again!