On December 21, 2020 the United States Congress passed a $908 billion COVID-19 relief package which included direct payments to individuals in the amount of $600 each, vaccine distribution funding, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and more. The relief package is the second round of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and the new congress is debating a third round, which enjoys bipartisan support.
Some other highlights of the relief fund are as follows:
- $167.5 million for both the NEA and NEH (a $5.25 million increase from FY 2020 funding levels) and waiver language that allows FY 2019, FY 2020, and FY 2021 grants to be used for general operating support, as requested by arts advocates
- $257 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services
- $475 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- An increase of $500,000 for the federal Arts In Education grant program, to a level of $30.5 million
Source: Americans for the Arts.
The need for arts funding in Texas is critical as we have discussed, reported on and covered in Glasstire articles over the past months.
Below is a list of Coronavirus relief grants and funding available to individuals and arts organizations in Texas.
The Small Business Administration reopened the PPP First Draw Loan program on January 11, and the program continues until March 31, 2021. Apply using the updated February 17 form here, and find lenders near you on the map available here. For Second Draw PPP loans, please go here.
According to Business Insider, the Biden Administration is scheduled to announce that beginning Wednesday, February 24 and for two weeks thereafter, the Small Business Administration would accept applications for PPP loans only from firms with 20 employees or fewer, providing the first opportunities for smaller business and organizations.
The SBA also offers Shuttered Venue Operations (SVO) Grants for live venue operators/promoters, relevant museum operators, motion picture theater operators and others. If an applicant’s venue was in operation as of February 29, 2020 and did not receive a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, they may apply here.
Another program from the SBA is the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for small businesses and nonprofit organizations currently experiencing temporary revenue losses. To apply, please go here.
In addition to the recently announced BIPOC open call grant from Aurora Dallas, the Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund is offering $200, one-time micro grants for U.S.-based BIPOC artists and administrators. To apply, please go here.
The Joan Mitchell Foundation has created an Emergency Grant Resource for Artists, which is available here.
Finally, on February 20, the Biden administration approved National Disaster Declaration for 77 of 254 Texas counties after Winter Storm Uri. For relief resources available related to Uri as reported in Glasstire, please go here. In addition, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the Greater Houston 2021 Winter Storm Relief Fund. The fund, established by Mayor Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, focuses on relief and recovery across Houston and Harris County. For more information about the funding timeline, please go here.