art: What to Do in a Pandemic by Ricardo Levins Morales

NOCD-NY is inspired by the wide network of efforts across New York City and beyond to connect artists, freelancers and arts organizations to the resources they need, tools that are helping them record impacts, and modes for connection, entertainment, and storytelling in our communities. We want to highlight some key information that our network has gathered:

(Note that information is shifting every day.)

CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT

Useful resources:

CARES Act, How to Apply for Non-profit Relief Funds
Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist, including eligibility requirements
#PPPMutualAid Initiative at Fiscal Management Associates is helping non-profits, especially those that are led by/serve people of color to access this money
A user friendly Primer by Just Money

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Overview of the program here.

PPP has resumed. The program offers guaranteed bank loans from private SBA-approved lenders to cover payroll and related costs (premiums for health insurance), facility costs (mortgages, rent, utilities), and pre-existing debt.

Forgiveness for loans if you maintain employment for 8 weeks after you get the loan or if you rehire staff by 6/30.
Eligible to non-profits that existed before 2/29/20, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and the self employed are also eligible
The loan can be for up to 2.5 times the average payroll. No principle or interest payments for 6 months
Available until June 30, but first come, first served

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Emergency Grants

The existing EIDL program has been expanded to cover more entities, loosen credit requirements & expedite processing
Applicants may request that up to $10K of the amount of the loan be awarded as a grant
Terms: SBA loans of up to $2M for up to 30-years, w/ 2.75% maximum fixed interest
Eligibility: Available to most non-profits existing on 1/31/20 with 500 or fewer staff

You can utilize both PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loans but not for the same expenses.

National Endowment for the Arts

The NEA will distribute $75 million in funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Arts Endowment will award funds to non-profit arts organizations across the country to help these entities survive the forced closure of their operations in response to the spread of COVID-19. Check guidelines here.

Expanded Unemployment Insurance

Information is available at New York State Department of Labor.
A step-by-step process to enter online services to file a claim.

Unemployed workers are eligible to receive an additional $600 per week on top of their customary benefit (presently $504 weekly max in NYS) until 7/31/20. The extra $600 weekly is guaranteed, even if the result means the insurance exceeds actual wages
Traditional 1-week waiting period is waived. All workers qualify immediately on being laid off.
Under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), temporarily, workers who are self employed, sole proprietors, contractors, etc. can also receive benefits, including the extra $600
Benefits are temporarily expanded from the prior 26 to 39 weeks
Beneficiaries will continue to receive customary benefits after 7/31/20, even if enhanced stimulus coverage is discontinued

Coronavirus Stimulus Checks

This infographic answers basic questions about stimulus checks.

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COVID-19 RELIEF FOR ARTISTS, FREELANCERS, AND GIG WORKERS

Through this resource page and webinar call organized by Brad Lander for NYC, city, state and federal elected officials, representatives from city agencies, labor lawyers and other advocates walk through the kinds of relief that are currently available for freelancers, including advocacy for more protections.

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NYC COVID-19 RESPONSE & IMPACT FUND

NYC COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund, a $75 million collaborative fund administered by the New York Community Trust, includes both loans and grants to arts and culture and human services. You can apply until 5/30/20. New York City arts and culture non-profits with annual operating budgets of less than $20 million, excluding government payments are eligible to apply for grants. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, currently receive New York City or New York State government funding, and demonstrate a track record of robust programming and services for New York City residents. Priority will be given to small and mid-size arts and cultural organizations, particularly those working in underserved communities. Grants will cover a twelve-week period and are expected to be between $10,000 and $250,000; award amounts will take into consideration the organization’s total operating budget.