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Financial Relief for the Moving Image Industry

Below is a non-comprehensive list of organizations and programs providing financial aid or relief during the covid-19 pandemic. Interested parties should contact the community organization or business directly to learn more about the resource(s) provided. We also encourage you to contact your local municipality to learn of other resources that may be available during this time to creative professionals and other businesses.

  • The Actors Fund (National) | The Actors Fund has partnered with several industry organizations to provide emergency financial assistance to those who have immediate financial needs. Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their basic living expenses (food/housing/health care) over the next two months.
  • Alamo Family Fund (National) | Alamo Family fund was created to help employees who are facing financial hardship immediately after a natural disaster or an unforeseen personal hardship.
  • Austin Creative Arts Alliance's Artists Emergency Relief Fund (Austin) | Austin Creative Arts Alliance ACA has established The Artists Emergency Relief Fund to help artists in Greater Austin maintain their personal and financial stability in these uncertain times.
  • Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (National) | On March 27, an emergency relief bill now known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law to help bolster the U.S. economy as the country battles the coronavirus.
    • The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
    • What the CARES Act means for freelancers
  • Dramatists Guild Foundation (National) | Offers emergency grants to playwrights, composers, lyricists and authors in "dire need of funds due to severe hardship or unexpected illness." Due to increased application volume, grants are based "on severity of need, especially as it relates to COVID-19." Email directly to apply.
  • El Paso Business Help (El Paso) | This website is a hub for business-related information in response to the Covid-19 crisis and is made possible with the cooperation and contribution by the El Paso Chamber, City of El Paso and County of El Paso.
  • Facebook Small Business Grants Program (National) | Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate.
  • Family Business Loan Program (Austin) | The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, HUD, and participating private lenders to offer low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs.
  • Freelancers Union Relief Fund (National) | Freelancers Relief Fund will offer financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs.
  • Motion Picture and Television Fund (National) | Temporary emergency financial assistance is available to qualified industry members experiencing financial hardship due to illness, disability, unemployment or other reasons. This assistance may cover expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, car insurance premiums, car payments and food, according to the organization’s website.
  • Music Industry Resources (Statewide) | The Texas Music Office is also providing a list of community resources specific to the music industry.
  • SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Disaster Fund (National) | SAG-AFTRA members who are in an emergency financial crisis related to COVID-19 may request assistance to cover basic expenses like rent, mortgage, utilities and medical bills. To apply to the fund, members must have paid their dues through October 2019.
  • Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (Statewide) | In response to the COVID-19 crisis, TALA can help advise artists and arts organizations on insurance, contract, and employment issues. Due to these unprecedented circumstances, TALA is waiving the membership fee for artists and arts organizations suffering financial hardship due to the coronavirus.
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Texas Film Commission

P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-9200


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