Below is a list of grants and resources available for individuals, freelancers, small businesses and artists impacted by COVID-19.

There’s no doubt that freelancers, hourly/tipped workers, gig workers, and small businesses are going to feel the brunt of the economic swirl we’re in right now (swirl sounds so much better than a crisis, amirite?).

Luckily, there are a ton of resources out there to help make ends meet and a whole whole whole lot of hope. It’s super easy to go down the rabbit hole clicking through these links – there are so many!

If you don’t need any financial assistance right now, please consider donating as most of these grants below are funded by people just like us. 

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Grants and Resources for Freelancers and Individuals:

• The Freelancers Union has started the Freelancers Relief fund offering grants up to $1,000 per freelance household.  Applications open April 2nd.
• Comprehensive list of resources from Cutaway. Includes grants, entertainment, education, and support.
• Freelancing Females also has a great list of resources that cover funding, finding work, and staying sane.
• ModestNeeds.org helps low-income workers and is offering grants for individuals.

Grants and Resources for Small Businesses:

• Verizon and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) are coming together to offer the Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund. These grants are especially for entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital.
• Google is granting credits for free ads to small and medium-size businesses.
• Gusto will waive your payroll processing fees for 2 months if you are directly impacted by COVID-19. Just give them a call or email [email protected].
• Facebook launched the Facebook Small Business Grants Program, offering up $100m in grants and ads for small businesses. Applications have not yet started, but you can sign up for updates.
• GoFundMe joined forces with QuickBooks and Yelp to start The Small Business Relief Fund. The fund will provide micro grants to small businesses that create a GoFundMe campaign and raise at least $500. 
• Bumble is offering grants up to $5,000 to small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. 

Grants and Resources for Artists:

• New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has compiled a huge list of grants available for artists – a few of the grants on this list are not restricted to being an artist so give it a quick scroll!
• The Artist Relief Project is providing grants for artists that have been affected by cancellations due to COVID-19.
• The Photographer Fund is offering grants up to $500 for self-employed photographers that are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Grants and Resources for the Hospitality Industry:

• The James Beard Foundation is providing micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need through The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund.
• Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is offering $500 grants to restaurant industry employees that have either lost their job or have seen a decrease in wages due to COVID-19. Applications open April 2, 2020.
• Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC United) has a very comprehensive list of resources available to restaurant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to direct financial assistance, there are also links to resources available in various states and petitions to sign.

For more grants that are specific to where you live, check out our list of resources by state.

Questions?

Please reach out, we’d love to help! 

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Countless assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.