COVID-19: Accessing Federal Relief

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On March 27, 2020, the $2 trillion CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) was passed by Congress. We want to encourage artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses to access these benefits during this challenging time. Individuals: As the unemployment rate increases, state unemployment offices may be overwhelmed; find your state’s unemployment office website and start the process early. Organizations: Support may be accessed through the SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance and the Treasury Department’s Paycheck Protection Program. Visit NEFA’s COVID-19 page for more information and related links.

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The CARES package includes $300 million in economic relief to support nonprofit cultural organizations like museums, libraries, public broadcasting, and state and local arts and humanities agencies, as well as for nonprofit organizations and small businesses. It also includes $260 billion in enhanced and expanded unemployment insurance (UI) to thousands of creative workers throughout the country who are being furloughed, laid off, or finding themselves without work through no fault of their own. Most of the COVID-19 economic relief funding will be distributed through state UI programs.