Resources for the Craft Sector 

The outbreak of COVID-19 is dramatically impacting nonprofits and the lives of craft artists and makers. Both have continued serving their communities by generating free online content for educational and emotional support as well as creating handmade protective wear for those in need. We must ensure our community remains intact so the opportunities to innovate and support one another continue beyond this crisis. 

Listed below are links that we have found helpful from a variety of resources. They include applications for financial relief, support guides for small businesses and responses from the nonprofit community. If you have information that would be a helpful addition to this page, please email leila.cartier@craftnowphila.org

And if you are in a position to help, please remember to purchase work from local makers, buy gift cards and give donations to area nonprofits. A listing of our gallery and museum partners can be found at craftnowphila.org/explore

The American Craft Council –  Financial resources and educational impact

Americans for the Arts – Federal relief and the CARES ACT of 2020

Artist Relief – $5,000 in relief support for artists from a national coalition of grant makers

CERF + – Financial assistance for artists suffering severe health impacts from the coronavirus

City of Philadelphia OACCE – Arts aid for nonprofits and artists 

Freelancer’s Union – Planning, funding and advocacy for freelancers

Springboard for the Arts – Resources for freelancers and organizations

Tire Swing Fund – Micro granting to catalyze neighborhood-driven programs

UC Berkley – Mental health resources to help prevent creative and professional burnout

US Small Business Administration – Loans to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties 

The Velocity Fund  – Relief grants for Philadelphia artists

 Image courtesy of Mi-Kyoung Lee