Illinois State House District 13 issued the following announcement on April 2.
I know this time has been particularly hard on artists and creative organizations. The Arts Work Fund, in partnership with the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, has stepped up to create the AWF Emergency Relief Fund. This fund is now offering grants to arts and cultural organizations that are struggling with immediate lost revenue and non-recoverable expenses due to COVID-19.
These grants are available to all arts organizations with 501c3 nonprofit status in Illinois, regardless of budget size. Grant funding will be unrestricted and range between $6,000 – $30,000, depending on organizational budget size and extent of revenue loss.
Apply online today by logging on to GrantCentral and navigating to the Funding Opportunities tab. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis and AWF will do their best to respond within ten business days of your submission. For assistance with this grant or any other arts-related questions, please join the AWF Connect listserv.
HIV Resource Hub & COVID-19 Financial Assistance
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), in partnership with the Center on Halsted, has launched the HIV Resource Hub, a one-stop shop offering services to people living with HIV and AIDS, people who are on or interested in starting PrEP, and people who are otherwise vulnerable to HIV.
The HIV Resource Hub can connect people living with HIV to medications, case management, medical care, food, mental health, substance use treatment and more. People vulnerable to HIV can get access to PrEP, HIV testing, medical care and more through the hub. You can reach the HIV Resource Hub by calling 1-844-HUB-4040.
Starting April 1, the HIV Resource Hub is also offering emergency financial assistance for people living with HIV and AIDS or who are using PrEP and experiencing financial crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals may be eligible for up to $1,500 in assistance for rental or mortgage payments, utility payments, including cell phone and internet payments, and emergency food assistance.
Applications will be completed by staff at the HIV Resource Hub and AFC. Case managers and clients should contact the HIV Resource Hub at 1-844-482-4040 to access these funds.
Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
Protecting small businesses and their employees remains a top priority. The $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program is designed to help workers and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, under the authority of the Small Business Administration, will provide small businesses with funds to cover up to eight weeks of payroll including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (with at least 75% of the forgiven amount going toward payroll). For this loan forgiveness employers must also maintain, or quickly rehire, employees and maintain their salary levels. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
All small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can as there is a funding cap.
Original source can be found here.
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