If you’re freelance or self-employed, it’s fair to say that the coronavirus is increasing the usual worries that many of us are facing. And whilst I appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone, with some sadly paying the ultimate price, the self-employed have been told that they can expect to wait until June for their grant. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t earn a fortune and expecting people to wait until June could be seriously detrimental.
Before we go any further, I will include a link to a guide that helps you understand exactly where you stand and what you are entitled to. Click here to see that.
As usual, that’s where the UK’s third sector steps in and once again, they are looking out for those most vulnerable.
It’s for that reason that I have spent the past few weeks pulling together the funds that are available for those freelancers who are struggling as a result of the coronavirus crisis. All of which are now included in this blog post. I will do my best to keep this updated, deleting any that have closed or adding any new ones that are open, but bear in mind that this was accurate at the time of publishing.
The Arts Councils
Across the United Kingdom, the various Arts Councils are stepping in and offering funding for freelance creatives who have lost money due to the coronavirus. Some of the funds have closed but they do have further rounds opening over the course of the next few weeks. It’s worth checking to see where you stand, but the links for each are included below.
In Scotland, it’s Creative Scotland that is offering the funding.
Society of Authors
The Society of Authors has created a coronavirus fund for those who earn the majority of their income from writing and are facing hardship as a result of the outbreak. This includes all kinds of writers, not just autors.
There is also the RFL for those writers who are suffering urgent hardship.
Books Council Wales
The Books Council Wales has also created its own fund for those in the book industry who are negatively affected by the crisis.
European Journalism Support Fund
The European Journalism Support Fund has launched three different types of grants that are available for businesses or individuals that work within the journalism sector. It’s worth having a good read up on this feed, as different people will need to apply for different funds.
The International Women in Media Relief Fund is also offering funding for women who have been affected.
Other professional funds
There are also funds that have been set up for other people who are affected within the entertainment and media industries.
Turn2Us
Turn2Us is currently offering one-off grants to those that are currently in financial hardship as a result of the crisis.
Alongside providing their own grants and funding, they also have a grant search engine on their platform, allowing you to easily search for other suitable providers.
Commissions
Alongside grants which have been specifically created for this crisis, a number of other organisations are seeking to help freelancers by offering paid opportunities. At the time of writing this post, the following all have opportunities available.
And that’s it for now. Let me know if you find any others that you want me to add to this post and also let me know if you chose to apply for any. I hope this helps.
P.s. Don’t forget to contact your local credit union if you are in serious hardship, These are organisations that can offer affordable and carefully considered loans to those in need.
