Right now there is so much noise out there that half the battle is finding what you need. Organizations and people are giving so much right now that the resources are also overwhelming.

This is my attempt at making it a little easier on of the artists out there -- musicians, creatives, gig economy workers, entrepreneurs and all my friends trying to adapt along with me during this unique, challenging, sometimes manic time.

Right now I'm focused on funding for artists, as not having a paycheck feels like the most immediate concern keeping our community up at night. I'll attempt to expand to other resources later (inspiration, guidance, etc.) as this is just the tip of the iceberg.

I’m looking for…

• Help as an artists, songwriter, musician or music industry professional

• Help with my small business

• Help as someone in the gig economy

• Ways to help artists

• Resources on unemployment, help if you’re having trouble paying, rent, utilities, loans, and more: go here.

MUSIC INDUSTRY

One place to look for any type of support is Musicares. The organization has helped people all over, and especially in Seattle. Note: this is for industry professionals with five years of employment in the music industry. Go to this link and if you qualify, call or email them.

For a buffet of different resources for artists, check out this google spreadsheet someone graciously started. Cliff notes:

• 5 'quick turn' grants to local artists (up to $1k). Applications due 3/30.

• Apply for the live streaming fest ($200+ for a 20 minute set. Announcing line-up 3/30.

• Apply for the cultural relief fund for artists (up to $2k for individuals, $5k for orgs). Assessed weekly.

• Artists can apply for a cash grant ($500-$5,000) for lost wages, medical expenses or for necessities like rent, food, and living expenses.

• Fund for the arts community. As of March 28, they are still raising more funds, but check back for updates.

Billboard.com put together a state by state list of resources here.

NW Folklife also has a massive list of resources for artists. A few more cliff notes:

• $200 first come first serve grants to art and cultural leaders who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).

• Resource for uninsured musicians whose income limit is 400% of the Federal Poverty Level based on annual gross/adjusted gross income from all employment. SMASH (Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare) is run by some really great people. And of course… they have some great resources.

• Funding for musicians who have lost a gig due to COVID-19.

• Relief for full time music professionals affected by the Coronavirus. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work.

• The list quite literally goes on. It's incredible.

GENERAL GIG WORKERS & CREATIVES

COVID-19 Handbook for Creative Industries - financial help for creatives, industry resources, and guidance on being a creative in Seattle during this unique and challenging time.

Get paid for time off for medical leave or to take care of the family.

An incredible list of gig-based grants for actors, broadcast, Choreographers, composers, dancers,  designers, directors, differently abled individuals, DJs, drag queens/kings, fine arts, media artists, photographers, producers, poets/playwrites/writers, tech theatre/event production, and more.

Even more resources for freelance artists of all walks here.

Relief for bartenders who may have lost their job.

SMALL BUSINESS

Have a Small Business and need help? The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act is a good place to start. US Representative Pramila Jayapal's office just released this guide. Here are the cliff notes on what it covers:

• Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees? Check the Paycheck Protection Program.

• Quick cash (smaller amount) to cover you right now? Check the Emergency Economic Injury Grant.

• Trying to keep up with business loan? Check the Small Business Debt Relief Program

• Just need someone to talk to? Check out the resource partners.

For a buffet of different resources for organizations, check out this google spreadsheet someone graciously started.

Have a small business with five employees or less and need a grant of up to $10k? There are a few more criteria, but get started here.

More small business financial opportunities available at Seattle.gov through help from organizations like United Way and the Seattle Sounders.

Financial support for community-based organizations experiencing economic impact, no application process, committee steered.

Funding for small businesses. For "eligible small business in or around an Amazon occupied building in Seattle or Bellevue" application process unverified, but email smallbusinessfund@amazon.com for more information or to inquire.

WAYS TO HELP ARTISTS OR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE

Buy music from a Seattle artist or band. Here's a list someone put together.

If you want to volunteer for there are MANY ways. Here are some Seattle sanctioned opps; King County Regional Donations Connector, United Way of King County, COVID-19 Mutual Aid Solidarity Network.