Emergency Grants
Below please find a list of emergency grants for artists and arts organizations impacted by COVID-19. For general funding opportunities, visit the Funding page of our website. To have a grant listed below, reach out to us at [email protected]. Other resource lists and organizations to follow:
- ASI: Funding Opportunities
- COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource
- LISC: Arts and Culture Resources
- National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness & Emergency Response
- NYFA: Emergency Grants
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Resources for Businesses
- WomenArts: Emergency Grants Roundup
The City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency in partnership with WEDI invite microenterprises based in the City of Buffalo to apply for funding to assist in the preparation, prevention, and response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Application and details available: February 8, 2021
Learn more
- The documentation required and the process working with DHSES to qualify with FEMA as an eligible applicant
- The process by which FEMA determines applicant, facility, work, and expenditure eligibility
- The types of expenditures that non-medical private non-profits would typically incur
- The variances in eligibility of activities and expenditures driven by policy across three distinct time intervals
- Activities and expenses that FEMA considers ineligible for reimbursement and other constraints and limitations applicants must be aware of
- The application process in the FEMA Grants Portal
For more details on the initiative and related resources, please access the Grants Gateway site. Learn more
Eligible private nonprofits can apply for expenses incurred January 20, 2020 through December 31, 2021. Reimbursement is exclusive to COVID-19 emergency and major disaster declarations through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Items that may be eligible for reimbursement include face coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection, COVID-19 diagnostic testing, screening and temperature scanning and portable temporary physical barriers for social distancing
The Erie County Department of Social Services is pleased to share that the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program will open Tuesday, June 1, 2021. The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide income-qualified renters who experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 with up to 12 months back rent and up to three months future rent. Utility arrears assistance will also be available in some cases.
The NYS ERAP application portal will open on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 9 AM. The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will also have a call center dedicated to the ERAP program open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 7 PM at 1-844-NY1-RENT or 1-844-691-7368
The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant is for small businesses, micro-businesses, and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations.
Grant awards will be calculated based on a business’s annual gross receipts for 2019 (see below for more information). Grant amounts and calculations are subject to change by Empire State Development.
- Annual gross receipts: $25,000 – $49,999.99: Award is $5,000 / business
- Annual gross receipts: $50,000 – $99,999.99: Award is $10,000 / business
- Annual gross receipts: $100,000 – $2,500,000 [UPDATED 08.25.21]: Award is 10% of gross receipts (maximum grant is $50,000)