Craft Artists Emergency Relief Grant

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund, known as CERF+, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting craft artists who face financial hardship due to unexpected emergencies or disasters. With a long-standing mission to safeguard and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States and its territories, CERF+ provides targeted financial relief through its Emergency Relief Grant program. This initiative plays a pivotal role in enabling artists to recover from sudden setbacks and return to their professional artistic practices. CERF+ Emergency Relief Grants offer $3,000 to eligible individual craft artists who have recently experienced a substantially disruptive emergency or disaster. These emergencies may include events such as fires, floods, natural disasters, accidents, or other unforeseeable circumstances that hinder an artist’s ability to continue working. The program is specifically designed to address immediate financial needs arising from such incidents, enabling grantees to stabilize and rebuild their careers and livelihoods. Eligibility requirements for the Emergency Relief Grant are straightforward but carefully structured to ensure that funds reach those most in need. Applicants must be 18 years or older and have maintained residence and an active artistic practice in the United States or its territories for at least the past two years. Only individuals working in craft or materials-based folk/traditional disciplines are eligible. Additionally, applicants may not have received a CERF+ Emergency Relief Grant within the past year, nor can they exceed the lifetime maximum of four grants. Those assisting artists in crisis may apply on their behalf, provided they have the artist’s permission and supply all required documentation. The application process is conducted online through the CERF+ website. Applicants are required to complete a detailed application form and submit supporting documentation that verifies both their eligibility and the nature of the emergency. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Although no specific timeline for review is published, CERF+ notes that due to high volumes, responses may be delayed. Applicants can reach CERF+ staff for assistance during business hours (10 AM to 4 PM EST, Monday through Friday) via email at programs@cerfplus.org or phone at (802) 229-2306. CERF+ considers a wide range of factors when evaluating applications, including the severity and timing of the emergency and the applicant’s engagement with the craft community. Not all types of emergencies or artistic practices are eligible, and a thorough review process ensures alignment with the grant’s intent. Ineligible emergencies and artistic practices are detailed in the program guidelines. Applicants who are declined may submit appeals. Awardees are not required to report back on their use of funds, though they are encouraged to stay engaged with CERF+. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadlines or application windows. This rolling format ensures that assistance can be provided whenever a qualifying emergency occurs, making the program responsive to the unpredictable nature of crises. However, because of the rolling application structure, the grant is not classified as recurring. Artists who have received an Emergency Relief Grant may still apply for other CERF+ funding opportunities, as long as they meet the criteria.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. If applying on behalf of an artist, ensure you have their consent and all required documentation.