In response to the negative economic effects of Coronavirus/COVID-19 on the local arts nonprofit sector, The Arts Partnership (TAP) has committed $10,000 to creating the Arts Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund (available to 501(c)3 Partners in good standing by March 1, 2020), effective immediately.
We are actively seeking corporate partners to expand the fund and encourage requests to start coming in from our Partner Arts Nonprofits in the Metro. We will fulfill requests as we are able in the order they are received.
The Fund will provide financial assistance, up to $1,500, to FM Metro arts nonprofits to help cover unexpected expenses directly resulting from performance/event cancellations related to Coronavirus/COVID-19. Emergencies must have taken place no earlier than March 10, 2020. Organizations will have two months from the cancellation announcement to submit a request for funds.
TAP President & CEO Dayna Del Val says, “We know there will likely be lasting and negative effects on the Metro’s arts sector due to the loss of revenue from this spring’s concerts, performances and fundraisers. This is a way for us to provide a small amount of financial relief to our Partners in this difficult time.”
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are subject to approval and available funds. Similar to a microloan program, money received through this Fund must be repaid within six months of the date the check is issued. Organizations will be eligible to apply to the Fund again when they repay their loan amount in full.
Eligible Funding Opportunities: Organizations must submit a receipt for non-refundable expenses such as venue/catering/equipment rental, payments to guest artists, printing expenses, etc. for cancelled events because of Coronavirus/COVID-19.
The Arts Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund is not intended to supplement income loss due to poor audience attendance or mismanagement of a budget. The Fund does not cover monthly rent, salaries and benefits, utilities, dues to financial institutions (i.e. credit card companies, banks), or any other anticipated expenses. The fund does not cover equipment or automobile repair or replacement.
If you would like help determining your arts organization’s eligibility or you’re interested in becoming a corporate partner in lending to our arts nonprofits, please email TAP CEO Dayna Del Val at dayna@theartspartnership.net.