The National Endowment for the Arts has released its guidelines for distribution of $75 million for nonprofit arts organizations from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Arts Endowment will award 40-percent of the funds directly to state and regional arts agencies by April 30th which includes your Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA).

ArtsWA is currently preparing our own guidelines to swiftly distribute the funding to arts organization statewide through our funding programs. More information and application guidelines will be coming soon.

Meanwhile, the Arts Endowment has designated 60-percent of the CARES relief funding for direct grants to nonprofit arts organizations. Applications are open through the Arts Endowment. Recipients will be notified by June 30th. Read more from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) has also announced the creation of the Artist Relief Fund, a $10 million national emergency relief fund for artists and creative workers that will provide $5,000 no-strings-attached grants. It is intended for anyone who earns income from their creative or artistic practice and who has also been affected by COVID-19. AFTA will serve as the group’s research partner to develop and deploy the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers. This survey is designed to capture financial and creative impact of COVID-19 on creative workers and highlight the resiliency and generosity of the creative sector. Read more about the Artist Relief Fund.

Help for Washington’s small businesses is available through a new emergency relief grant announced by the Governor and the Department of Commerce this week. Washington businesses that have been established for one year and employ 1-10 employees can apply for a grant of up to $10,000. Grant funds can be used for operational expenses including rent, supplies/inventory, utility bills, etc. as well as consulting, marketing, and training. Many creative businesses across the state could be eligible. Read more about the new grant and how the state is supporting small businesses.